18 Fun Earth Day Activities for Work

You found our list of the best Earth Day activities for work.

Earth Day activities are initiatives that bring awareness to environmental issues. In addition, these activities promote sustainable living. For example, planting a home garden, crafting bird feeders, or setting up a compost bin. The purpose of these activities is to educate participants about the importance of preserving the environment. These activities are also known as “Earth Day fair ideas” and “Earth Day games.”

These Earth Day activities are similar to Green Week ideas and virtual Earth Day activities.

This list includes:

• Earth Day fair ideas
• Earth Day games
• Earth Day learning activities
• DIY Earth Day crafts
• team building Earth Day exercises

So, here is the list!

List of Earth Day activities

From solar-powered cookouts to building bug hotels, here is a list of fun activities for Earth Day.

1. Crafting Bird Feeders

Crafting bird feeders is a fun and rewarding activity to celebrate Earth Day. Making bird feeders helps participants engage with nature and supports the well-being of our feathered friends. To make a simple bird feeder, you will need a pine cone, peanut butter, some string or wire, and birdseed or crumbs.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Tie the string around the pine cone.
2. Cover the cone in peanut butter.
3. Roll the cone in birdseed.

After you complete the craft, hang the feeder outside near trees or windows where birds can easily access it. This activity allows you to contribute to the local ecosystem while enjoying the beauty of birds visiting your feeders.

2. Planting a Garden

Planting a garden is one of the top team building Earth Day exercises that offers numerous benefits. Gardens reduce your carbon footprint and allow you to grow your own fresh produce.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Choose a location in your yard or in front of your office that gets enough sunlight.
2. Buy or build planter boxes.
3. Add soil, compost, and fertilizer.
4. Choose plants that will grow in your climate.
5. Plant during the proper seasons.

Remember to water regularly and maintain the garden by weeding and pest control. As your garden grows, you can enjoy the reward of homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Even if you decide to plant a flower garden instead, you will enjoy watching your plants grow.

This activity is great for work because it allows employees to connect with nature. Further, growing plants promotes well-being and reduces stress levels.

Check out the best office plants.

Want some free team building tools?

$49 value (100% free)

• 100+ fully tested icebreaker questions
• 24+ themed Bingo generators
• 5+ PDFs (including the 8% Rule)
• 2024 team building calendar
• and more...

Enter your email for instant access

3. DIY Greenhouse Project

A DIY greenhouse project is a fantastic Earth Day activity. Building a greenhouse allows you to grow your own plants, vegetables, and herbs in any weather. This process reduces reliance on commercially grown produce and minimizes carbon footprint.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Gather greenhouse materials like PVC pipes, plastic sheeting, and wood frames.
2. Use materials to build a greenhouse structure.
3. Add planter boxes to the greenhouse.
4. Plant your desired produce.

Greenhouses extend the growing season by protecting plants from weather and pests. This sustainable option also creates a fun ongoing project for your team to work on together!

4. Birdwatching Hike

Going on a birdwatching hike is a great way to celebrate Earth Day. This exercise is one of the top Earth Day fair ideas.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Research local hiking trails that have large bird populations.
2. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and comfortable walking shoes.
3. Along the hike, listen and watch for different bird species.
4. Optionally, bring a notebook to take notes.

While birdwatching, you can enjoy the birds’ unique calls, distinct coloring, and behaviors. Birdwatching is an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty.

Here are more outdoor team building activity ideas.

5. Environment-Friendly Art

Environment-friendly art is a wonderful way to celebrate Earth Day. This activity involves using eco-friendly materials to create artwork. Artists can use natural, recycled, or alternative supplies.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Gather materials like recycled paper, natural paints, and sustainable brushes.
2. Create nature-themed art using these materials.
3. Optionally, you can offer drinks to make this activity a paint-and-sip.
4. Once artists finish their works, hang them around the office.

Folks do not necessarily have to paint during this exercise. Participants can explore different techniques. Examples include making collages using old magazines and creating sculptures from repurposed objects. Learning new ways to use old materials contributes to sustainable practices. 

Here is a list of online art classes for inspiration.

6. Sorting Challenge

Recycling games are a fun and engaging way to promote sustainability in the workplace. In the sorting challenge, participants race to correctly sort various items into recycling, compost, or landfill bins. 

Here is how to play the game:

1. Gather a mix of recyclable, compostable, and landfill items.
2. Split groups into teams.
3. Create stations for each team, and set out bins for all three categories.
4. Set a timer for five minutes. 
5. Teams will race to sort their piles.
6. Whichever team is able to sort their items correctly before the time runs out wins.

This game educates employees about recycling. Further, this exercise fosters teamwork and environmental consciousness within the workplace.

7. Eco-Themed Scavenger Hunt

When looking for Earth Day games, consider hosting an eco-themed scavenger hunt!

Here is how to play this game:

1. Create a list of environmentally friendly items or actions.
2. Split players into teams.
3. Hand out the list, and have teams find each object or do each task.
4. Teams document their findings through pictures or notes.
5. Whichever team completes the list first wins!

Your list could include items like recycling bins, energy-saving light bulbs, reusable water bottles, or picking up litter. This activity promotes environmental awareness and encourages teamwork.

Check out more scavenger hunt ideas for adults.

8. Solar-Powered Cookout

A solar-powered cookout is a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Day. By using the sun’s power, you can reduce your carbon footprint and promote renewable energy.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Buy solar-powered grills or ovens.
2. Get classic cookout dishes like burgers and hot dogs. Be sure to grab sides and drinks!
3. Charge your cooking devices in the sun.
4. Cook your meal and enjoy the weather.

While enjoying this delicious meal outdoors, you can show your colleagues how well clean energy works. This fun and educational activity encourages sustainable living.

Check out more company cookout ideas.

9. Establish a Compost Bin

Making a compost bin can benefit both the environment and your garden. Composting keeps organic waste from landfills, enriches soil, and retains moisture.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Choose a suitable location at your home or office.
2. Find a compost bin or make one using wooden pallets or chicken wire.
3. Layer organic materials like fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings.
4. Regularly turn the compost to help the items inside break down.
5. Use your compost to fertilize your garden.

When composting, be sure to avoid adding meat, dairy, or oils. These items can attract pests. If you make a compost bin for the office, then put scrap collection bins in break rooms or kitchens. That way, the entire office can contribute!

10. Pollution Cleanup Day

On pollution cleanup day, folks come together to take action toward a cleaner environment.

Here is how to host this activity:

1. Choose a cleanup chore, such as picking up litter, cleaning river banks, or holding recycling drives.
2. Give teams cleanup supplies like gloves, trash pickers, and trash bags.
3. Go to your location and clean up the area.

Cleaning up the community improves the area’s appearance while improving its ecosystems. This exercise is also a great reminder that folks can pick up litter anytime they see it.

Here are more group volunteering ideas.

11. Outdoor Yoga Session

Outdoor yoga sessions are a fantastic way to connect with nature while benefiting both your mind and body.

Here is how to host this activity:

1. Hire a yoga instructor, or find a video to follow.
2. Find a relaxing spot in nature, such as a park or beach.
3. Do the yoga sequence while listening to nature.

Practicing yoga outdoors reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation. Additionally, practicing poses on natural surfaces can stretch different muscles than doing yoga indoors.

Here is a guide on team building yoga.

12. Nature-Inspired Puzzles

A simple Earth Day activity to add to your roster is doing a nature-inspired puzzle. Puzzles could depict plants, animals, or landscapes.

Here is how to host this activity:

1. Split participants into teams.
2. Give each team a nature puzzle to assemble.
3. Optionally, you can set a timer and give a prize to the fastest team.
4. Another option is to have teams switch puzzles every five to ten minutes.

Solving puzzles can improve skills like problem-solving, pattern recognition, and memory retention. This exercise is also a relaxing and enjoyable activity that promotes mindfulness and reduces stress.

Check out more team puzzle ideas.

13. Sustainable Cooking Lesson

Sustainable cooking is an essential skill that encourages healthier eating habits. In addition, this cooking style minimizes environmental impact.

Here is how to host this activity:

1. Ask a local chef to host this lesson, or find a class online.
2. Gather the ingredients for the dish.
3. The chef will demonstrate how to make the food while sharing sustainability tips.
4. Participants will cook alongside the chef.
5. The team can enjoy their creations together.

In a sustainable cooking lesson, you can learn about using locally sourced ingredients and reducing food waste. Chefs may also show you how to use energy-efficient cooking methods. These lessons provide valuable knowledge on mindful consumption and eco-friendly practices in the kitchen.

Check out these online group cooking classes for more ideas.

14. Solar Oven Experiment

Solar energy experiments can be a fun and educational way to celebrate Earth Day. One simple experiment involves creating a solar oven.

Here is how to do this experiment:

1. Get a cardboard box with a lid, and cut a flap into the lid.
2. Cover the inside of the flap with tin foil.
3. Paint the inside of the box black.
4. Put more tin foil at the bottom of the box.
5. Optionally, cover the opening with plastic wrap or put newspaper around the box.
6. Let the box warm up in the sun, and then add your items to it.
7. Heat and enjoy!

With the sun’s energy, you can cook your favorite snacks or melt chocolate for s’mores. This experiment inspires curiosity while showing the potential of clean energy.

15. Community Tree Planting

Planting trees brings folks together to make a positive impact on the environment.

Here is how to host this activity:

1. Find spots to plant trees around your office or community.
2. Get any necessary permits.
3. Make posters inviting community members to participate.
4. Gather tree saplings, shovels, soil, and water.
5. Spend the day planting trees.

After planting, be sure to check back in on the trees to ensure they grow. Planting trees together helps employees work toward a common goal. Additionally, this activity makes the landscape more beautiful and improves the environment.

16. Wildlife Conservation Project

A wildlife conservation project is one of the most engaging Earth Day learning activities. During these projects, individuals can help preserve endangered species and their habitats.

Here is how to host this activity:

1. Choose a project to focus on, such as habitat restoration or wildlife monitoring.
2. Partner with natural resources programs in your town.
3. Work together to clean up habitats, plant vegetation, or set up trail cameras.

Employees will get to learn about different species and ecosystems. Plus, wildlife conservation projects encourage biodiversity. Involving your team in these projects connects them to the local community and nature.

17. Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is an excellent Earth Day activity. You can use rainwater for various purposes, such as watering plants, flushing toilets, or even doing laundry. Before hosting this activity, be sure to check your local regulations about collecting rainwater.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Install a rain barrel to capture water.
2. Set up filter and storage systems to keep the water fresh.
3. Use stored water for irrigation or other non-drinking activities.

Using rainwater reduces the strain on city water supplies. Additionally, teams will learn a new skill during this project, improving critical thinking.

18. Building a Bug Hotel

Building a bug hotel is among the top fun and educational DIY Earth Day crafts. A bug hotel provides a safe space for beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and butterflies.

Here is how to do this activity:

1. Start by collecting materials like logs, bamboo, and pinecones.
2. Layer these materials inside a sturdy frame or container.
3. Place your bug hotel near flowering plants.

These bugs help with pollination, pest control, and garden health. Also, making this hotel will give your team the chance to observe interesting insects. Creating a bug hotel is a simple way to support nature.

Final Thoughts

Teams can choose from plenty of activities to enjoy on Earth Day. With so many options available, it is easy for firms to find ways to contribute to a healthier planet. From recycling games to conservation projects, these activities make a big impact on the environment. Further, these exercises are wonderful for team building, as they allow folks to work toward shared goals.

Next, check out more holiday posts, such as virtual 4th of July ideas, online Labor Day ideas, and Talk Like a Pirate Day ideas.