Earth Month 2026: Actions and Activism

Good news in environmental activism in 2026

We all could use a healthy dose of environmental optimism, so let’s start with some good news. Here are three examples of recent actions that have made a real difference:

• One teacher’s “Bike Bus for Earth Day” initiative, which invited students to join a bike train and cycle to school, has turned into a full-time movement with over 400 routes worldwide.
• A mother and daughter in Kentucky have refused to sell their land for $26 million dollars (10 times the area’s going rate) to a data center developer.
• After public outcry including huge rallies, the Trump administration has halted plans to build a border wall across Big Bend National Park.

These three examples show a range of activism, from local, community engagement that’s built into daily life (kids biking to school), to individuals simply refusing to yield their power to big corporations, to collective activism that leads to policy change.

Effective environmental action in 2026

Traditional forms of activism (like pipeline protests and calling representatives) are always going to be important, but it’s not the only way to get involved. Often, the types of action that you stick with will be unique to your interests, abilities, and community needs.

Choose what you care about

Make a list of your unique skill set or things you naturally enjoy doing, whether that’s graphic design, event planning, organization, putting things together with your hands, chatting on the phone, working with children, or being outside.

Then, make a list of the environmental causes that are important to you, be it plastic-free oceans or renewable energy. Chances are, there’s some kind of activism you can initiate or plug into based on what you already love.

Make a list of your unique skill set or things you naturally enjoy doing

Stuck? Start at home

When in doubt, start with your own environmental impact. Our homes and lifestyles account for plenty of food waste, greenhouse emissions, and toxic output, so this is great place to begin.

From there, it’s easy to build up to neighborhood causes, community initiatives, state-level action, and so on.

Plant a garden

Consider planting a garden, joining a CSA, or getting fresh, organic produce from the farmers market. At re_ we sell fresh produce from the local farmer’s market along with our refillables so you can cover all your sustainable groceries in one place.

Switch to clean energy

The number one thing humanity needs to do is limit the use of fossil fuels, so start at home by switching your plan to clean energy sources like wind or solar, or installing solar on your own property if you’re able.

Get there sustainably

Take the next best step when it comes to transportation. If you drive to work or school, consider carpooling, using public transportation, or looking into an electric vehicle. Consider biking or walking places if you’re able and if the weather allows.

Eat more plant-based

Because animal proteins take much more land, water, resources, and greenhouse gases to produce, switching to a more plant-forward diet is a major way to lessen your impact.

Check out our blog for plant-based recipes without all the popups!

Plan your vote

Make sure you and those of age in your household are registered to vote, and that you know where to go. Knowing where to vote early can help you avoid long lines on election day. Bring your kids with you so they can see you taking part in this civic process.

Make your money talk

Don’t forget you also vote with your dollars. Whether it’s investing in clean energy, divesting from harmful corporations, donating to preservationist causes, boycotting harmful brands, or choosing to shop products that are reusable, your money makes a difference.

Confused by all the greenwashing and different terms out there? We have a handy glossary to help you navigate sustainable shopping.

Lessen household waste

You’ve heard it before: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle. Compost your food scraps at home, through your farmer’s market, or via curbside pickup to prevent food waste. Send your old clothes off to new life with our Take Back Bag.

Shopping at re_ grocery will significantly help you cut down on single-use packaging, and we also partner with local organizations to help you send hard-to-recycle items to their next life.

Spread the word

Let friends know about the sustainable swaps, initiatives, and small businesses you love. Reusable products make wonderful gifts, so consider giving loved ones a curated re_ bundle to introduce them to low-waste living.

The Refill Bundle is everything you need to start refilling with ease

Shop secondhand

There’s so much good clothing, furniture, and gear already out in circulation—chances are, you can find the things you’re looking for secondhand (at cost savings). Older clothes and furniture are also often made well and can last you a long time with care.

Shop less

Cutting down on consumerism can be difficult, but buying only what you need will save you waste, time, space, and money. More on how to get started with a more minimalist lifestyle here.

Environmental activism

From grassroots organizing to protest art, there are so many ways to get involved for climate justice.

Walkouts, sit-ins, and protests

Do protests work? A famous study suggests that no movement involving at least 3.5% of the population has ever failed. Protests can also be a vital way to raise awareness for a cause, share information and resources, and establish connections.

Call representatives

Calling or writing reps as issues arise can be a great way to put pressure on those in positions of power—who are there to serve you.

To make it easy, add their numbers as contacts to your phone and have a script or template saved so you can just add in the issue du jour. Be sure to leave your name, address, phone number, and email if required so they correctly count your call.

A famous study suggests that no movement involving at least 3.5% of the population has ever failed

Show up at town halls

Attending town halls and city council meetings gives you the chance to voice your strongest opinions out loud in a place where it really counts, and network with other likeminded people.

Join a local cleanup

Taking part in a local neighborhood or beach cleanup is a wonderful way to get outside and connect with your community. If you’re local to LA, follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our email list to learn about our neighborhood cleanups.

Find a local organization

If you have the time and inclination, consider getting involved with a local chapter or organization that addresses issues you care about, from climate justice to wildlife conservation.

Host a fundraisers

Fundraisers are a great idea if you don’t regularly have time to devote to organizing but still want to pitch in. If you throw great parties or events, make the next one a fundraiser for an environmental cause.

Get out the vote

During election cycles, consider phone banking or canvasing to activate others in your area. Everything’s better with friends, so host a postcard-writing party with your crew around food or drinks.

Teach a workshop

Do you have a sustainable skill to share with others? Consider hosting a workshop at your home, community center, camp, or after-school program, or provide skill sharing and informational resources via social media.

Think seed saving, cloth diapering, composting, creative reuse in art materials, clothes mending, cooking with food scraps, or gardening for kids.

Environmental action is for all of us. Wherever you are in your process, Earth Month comes as a welcome invitation to take the next step.

For more sustainable guides and tips all year round, don’t forget to follow re_ on Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, and visit our blog!