Every April 22nd is Earth Day, a national celebration of giving back to nature. There are many different ways to celebrate and or give back, including the tried and true of planting trees or having a town clean up. But we thought this year we would focus on the unusual and or unconventional to keep Earth pristine for some time to come.

1. Create a website – this is one of the coolest things you can do for Earth Day. Why? Because if you do it right and use it wisely, you can do a lot of good for many years to come and reach lots of people in the process. Remember that on the internet, the world is your stage. You can go several different ways with a website, you can create an online green portal that discusses one micro niche within the eco friendly sphere such as recycling and do your part to educate locally. The more specific and tailored your site, the better chance of success it will have. I develop niche sites and when people come to me with a super laser focused idea on a topic, usually these are the sites that will do well over time. You can’t pick something as huge and competitive as recycling. You have to choose something targeted like recycling for bald men in their 30′s who subscribe to GQ. lol. You get the picture, right. Zoom in and touch a specific group of people.

You could instead create an e-commerce shop website that sells sustainable t-shirts or food, furniture, books, etc. Or a gently used consignment shop that sells via eBay. As you can see, the ideas are plentiful. Get that website started just in time for Earth Day.

2. Buy an eBook – instead of heading out the door to a big box store, why not shop online and get yourself an ebook. With the free Kindle app for pc, you can download and read digital books right from the comfort of your home. Great time to catch up on that Oprah pick you’ve had your eye on.

3. Invite People Over – how about throwing an old fashioned BBQ in your backyard. Invite some neighbors over and have at it. Get lots of fruit, veggies and mock meat. Try lighting up the fire with eco friendly charcoal. Or you could skip the BBQ altogether and simply create an organic and sustainable homemade meal for everyone to enjoy.

4. Go Meatless – try feasting without meat. Look up recipes that call for dishes without meat such as pizza, pasta, vegetable skewers, eggplant lasagna and many others. Add plenty of fruits and nuts and you’ve got yourself a meatless meal.

5. Volunteer at a local facility – take the time this Earth Day to sign up at a local animal shelter, hospital, food pantry, park or even the library and offer to help out wherever needed. There’s always something to do at a non-profit facility and all that’s required is your time and a smile.

To find out more about Earth Day, head on over to the official Earth Day website.