Earth Day turns 55 this year. Since the first event in 1970, it's driven some of the most significant environmental wins in U.S. history, including the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passing of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. But after the speeches, social posts, and clean-up events, what happens after Earth Day?
That’s where the PATH Earth Day Afterparty comes in. We believe the real movement starts once the hashtags fade. And, what’s the best way to celebrate the planet? Keep showing up for it. Every day, every refill.
From Earth Day to every day
The first Earth Day in 1970 brought 20 million Americans onto the streets, and they demanded accountability for unchecked pollution, chemicals spilling into waterways, and various forms of air pollution. Before then, factories could dump waste into rivers or pump black smoke into neighborhoods without accountability. Earth Day changed that by proving that civic engagement could shape national policy.
Today, the challenge has shifted. We’re no longer just reacting to pollution, we’re trying to prevent it. And the most powerful way to do that is through consistent, everyday action. Refilling a reusable water bottle might seem small, but it’s the kind of habit that creates cultural momentum toward waste reduction and lowering the number of microplastics in our everyday lives as we see the rates of ingested microplastics increasing.
What is the PATH #refillitafterparty?
Hint: It’s all about what you do after Earth Day that counts. The #refillitafterparty is not a late-night rave but a quiet revolution powered by a single, refillable bottle that we commit to refilling every day, on and after Earth Day. Kicked off with a soothing ASMR video featuring the distinct sound of a PATH bottle being refilled and paired with the message, “This is what a PATH Earth Day afterparty sounds like,” the call to action is designed to give people a moment to pause, reflect, and refill.
We’re tapping into that power to connect mindfulness with a sustainable habit. It’s an invitation to be present, refill with intention, and let that action ripple outward and ongoingly.
Single-use plastic bottles are still among the top contributors to ocean and microplastic pollution. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, at least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. Most of it comes from packaging, and beverage containers are a major culprit.
Refilling reduces demand for new plastic, lowers energy use compared to manufacturing virgin materials, and supports the move toward a circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are reused.
PATH bottles are built for this. They're durable, reusable, and made for the long haul. Every refill keeps another plastic bottle out of the ocean and unnecessary carbon out of the atmosphere.
Celebrating 55 Years of Earth Day with 55 ways to make an impact every day
Earth Day started as a protest and is now a global tradition. But the world doesn’t change because of one day. It changes when habits shift, when companies step up, and when everyday actions add up. Refilling is one of the simplest, most impactful environmental actions you can take. There are other ways to keep the Earth Day party going, and here are 55 of them.
- Refill a reusable water bottle daily and refuse single-use plastic bottles
- Bring reusable shopping bags with you on the go
- Bring reusable containers for takeout
- Buy secondhand instead of new where possible
- Walk, bike, or use public transit
- Carpool or rideshare when possible
- Compost food scraps
- Grow herbs or vegetables at home
- Switch your home over to LED light bulbs
- Install a programmable thermostat to keep energy use in check
- Use low-flow showerheads to reduce water usage
- Identify and fix any water leaks in your home
- Unplug electronics when they’re not in use
- Use power strips to reduce phantom load
- Choose clean power as an option on your utility bill
- Avoid fast fashion and opt for well-made, long-lasting clothes
- Support local farmers and shop at your local farmer’s markets
- Eat more vegetables and fresh produce while reducing meat and dairy consumption
- Use bar soap and shampoo bars to avoid single-use plastic containers
- Switch to non-toxic and concentrated cleaners
- Recycle electronics promptly and responsibly
- Donate or repurpose old clothes to maximize their use
- Switch to email receipts and paperless billing
- Print double-sided to use less paper
- Bring a reusable cup to coffee shops
- Avoid single-use plastic utensils and straws
- Use cloth napkins and dish towels to avoid paper products
- Cancel junk mail to lighten the load on transportation and delivery as well as paper usage
- Set up a recycling system at home to ensure materials that can be recovered are all put in the right place
- Choose refillable or bulk cleaning products
- Advocate for sustainability initiatives like water fountains and reuse at work or school
- Use public libraries or share books
- Install clean energy if feasible
- Use rechargeable batteries to extend their life as long as possible
- Buy from companies with take-back programs
- Avoid balloons, glitter, and microbeads
- Buy fewer, better-quality items
- Air-dry laundry and give your dryer a break
- Reuse shipping and packaging materials
- Say no to promotional freebies unless they’re useful and reusable
- Participate in community cleanups
- Support reforestation or conservation groups
- Read environmental books to learn about the world around you
- Watch documentaries about nature or climate to better understand why it’s important to reduce carbon
- Educate children and peers about sustainability
- Follow zero-waste or low-impact living accounts
- Join or start a community garden
- Use digital tools to measure your carbon footprint
- Cook more meals at home using fresh fruits and vegetables
- Avoid unsustainable products
- Use public refill stations instead of buying single-use items when on the go
- Choose long-lasting tech and repair it to extend its life
- Avoid buying fast gadgets trends and maintain a core functional set of tech items that you need
- Donate to environmental nonprofits that can verify their impact
- Share your sustainability journey on social media to inspire others
We wish you the best Earth Day today and all year long into the afterparty. Grab your PATH bottle. Fill it up. And join us because Earth Day is just the beginning. It’s what we do at the afterparty that counts most and is where the magic happens.
Resources
https://www.epa.gov/history/epa-history-earth-day
https://www.earthday.org/history/
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-and-reusing-basics