Quiz: Find the right Earth Day activity for you!

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Are you looking for a way to honor our planet this Earth Day, but not sure where to start?

Take our Earth Day quiz to help spark some ideas that meet you where you are. Think of it as an ‘a la carte’ menu for those who want to do something, but can't do it all. 

Doing an Earth-friendly activity is one way to get re-energized about the environment, whether it's making a change in your own life or contributing to a larger cause. We’ve sorted activities into five categories to make it easier for you to find a way to connect with the planet this Earth Day. 

Take the quiz below to figure out which category suits your environmental goals and interests, or browse the five categories! Then, share your results on social media. 

Text-only Earth Day activity quiz

Before you start

Grab a pen and paper or open a text file where you can keep track of which letters you select. As you select your answers, write down the letter you chose for each question.

1. When you think about taking action for Earth day, which of these statements resonates with you the most?

  1. I want to do more, but I don’t have the time.

  2. I want to live more sustainably, but am overwhelmed by the information and options.
  3. I want to inspire others to be as committed to the environment as I am.
  4. I’m not sure where to get started on taking environmental actions.
  5. Earth Day is like any other day for me — I think about environmental issues frequently.

2. What kind of activity would give you the biggest sense of joy or accomplishment?

  1. Making progress towards a goal and checking off “to-dos.”

  2. Making a lasting lifestyle change for the better.
  3. Helping others to make a positive change or accomplish their goals.
  4. Learning something new or starting a new hobby.
  5. Taking a well-earned vacation or staycation.

3. Which statement resonates with you the most?

  1. I wish I could do more, but the environment isn't at the top of my mind compared to other concerns.

  2. I feel most empowered by making tangible changes in my own life related to the environment.
  3. I think my time is better spent contributing to group actions than on my individual day-to-day choices.
  4. I wish I knew more about environmental issues and how they are connected with other topics I care about.
  5. I'm already doing so much, but it feels like it's never enough.

4. If you had an unexpected day off, which of these options would be the most appealing?

  1. Check things off of my to-do list.

  2. Tackle a larger project or start working towards a change I’ve been wanting to make.
  3. Host a get-together or organize an outing for friends.
  4. Read a book or listen to a podcast about a topic I’m interested in.
  5. I am thrilled to have a break — I’ll spend a lowkey, relaxing day at home or out and about.

5. You have a task to do. Which of these would help motivate you to complete it?

  1. Just getting something checked off my to-do list is enough motivation! Anything is progress.

  2.  Knowing that the task was supporting one of my long-term goals. 
  3. If the task would serve a larger purpose — the satisfaction of helping another person or cause motivates me.
  4. Finding an aspect of the task that sparks my interest or curiosity.
  5. If I could take some time to relax first, I would come back ready to take it on.

The Earth Day activity category that best suits you this year is ...

The letter you selected most often is the category that aligns most with your answers. If you selected one of each category, you might be fulfilled by a variety of different activities — check out the example activities in each category to see if any of them appeal to you!

  1. Take one action
  2. Establish a new habit
  3. Take on a larger role
  4. Learn something new
  5. Stay ‘down to Earth’

 

Earth Day action category

✅ Take one action

Consider celebrating Earth Day by doing a standalone event or activity. Time is hard to come by, so completing a full task or participating in an event is a rewarding use of your limited time. Even better if the activity helps you cross something off your to-do list, too! 

Though participating in an Earth Day event is a great option, think outside of the box for other ideas. 

  • If you’re spring cleaning, you could pre-designate piles for what to recycle, donate, or sell to avoid trashing unwanted items, especially those that are common marine debris. 
  • You could add a list of the plastics your county recycles near your bin for quick reference. 
  • If it’s an option for you right now, you could add a few earth-friendly items to your shopping list, like options that replace disposables. 
  • If there is an environmental topic you are particularly interested in, consider looking for civic engagement opportunities related to the topic.

🔁 Establish a new habit

Right now, you are interested in long-term change, but the idea of “living more sustainably” is overwhelming and too broad to be easily achieved. Set yourself up for success by incorporating one new activity into your daily life. 

For Earth Day this year, consider adopting a new habit that matters to you, feels achievable, and is Earth-friendly! Habits are unique to each individual, but maybe you could:

🌎 Take on a larger role

Do you want to make a difference on a larger scale? Do you find yourself thinking larger than individual actions? Right now, you’re looking at the big picture and you value the work that organizations and other groups are doing to help the environment. Maybe you’re feeling ready and excited about making a difference, working with others, or even taking on a leadership role.

Taking on a leadership role doesn’t need to be daunting. A few ideas:

  • You could get a group you belong to together to contribute to an Earth Day or civic engagement event or host your own clean-up. 
  • Spread the word about an effort you’re excited about and encourage others to contribute.
  • Take on an advisory role for an organization you care about, for example, National Marine Sanctuaries advisory councils.

🔎 Learn something new

You are interested in taking action to help the environment, but you aren’t sure where to start. Maybe the amount of information is overwhelming or you’re not sure which specific issues matter most to you. Either way, learning something new this Earth Day is a good next step.

Pick one topic to learn about, whether it is something you can put into action right away or just a way to deepen your understanding of the environment. A few ideas for how to learn more:

  • Follow a few social media accounts related to the environment (we hear NOAA social media is a good place to start *wink*).
  • If you’re ready for a deep dive, look into a book, podcast, videos, or documentary. You could even follow along with the Planet Stewards book club!
  • If you find the nuances of environmental issues overwhelming, consider pulling apart some of the complexity by deliberately examining an issue you care about through the lens of environmental justice.

🌱 Stay ‘down to Earth’

Right now, maybe what you need the most is an opportunity to reconnect with the Earth. This Earth Day, get re-energized by focusing on celebrating our amazing planet.

There are plenty of ways to have fun and celebrate the environment, whether it’s getting outside, consuming Earth-centered media, or creating art. Some ideas to relax:

  • Check out a new natural area or visit an old favorite, reflecting on how it makes you feel to be there. Need ideas? Explore a National Marine Sanctuary or a National Estuarine Research Reserve.  
  • Try counting 10 different types of plants and animals you can observe. 
  • Create Earth-focused art. If you’re up for it, create with a purpose — use supplies that would otherwise go in the trash or make an art piece that raises awareness about something you care about. Check out our Earth Day art graphics if you need some inspiration!