Free Meituan Bikes and Other Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Beijing, Apr 22
As countries battle the coronavirus and the complications that it is causing in their politics, healthcare systems, and populations, the world has never felt more unified by a common cause, yet divided. This year's Earth Day, Apr 22, takes on a new significance then, as we gaze at a hot mess of mismanagement and rupturing alliances, and one must wonder: if this is what a "little flu" does to the world then what will a planet increasingly affected by climate change look like?
Now celebrating its 50th year, Earth Day is officially recognized by 193 of the world's countries and was founded in 1970 to draw greater attention to climate change and environmental causes. While we're a long way from reaching significant and unilateral action from the world's superpowers (even less now that the US is due to withdraw from the landmark Paris Agreement at the end of this year), it does provide an opportunity for us as individual citizens to consider what we can do to play our part.
Meituan offers free rides
For one, there's no reason to jump in a Didi for short commutes this Wednesday as Meituan is offering free rides to all users across China – simply scan with the Meituan app and hop on (also keep an eye on the app for various food discounts), according to Beijing News. As if you needed more proof that things are slowly coming back to life, as of Apr 8, Meituan's bike-sharing data indicates that its average daily ride volume has increased by 410 percent compared to the height of the outbreak in February.
Earth Day webinars and events
"We Don't Have Time" Earth Day Online
This selection of webinars, organized by the official Earth Day Network, looks to "explore how businesses, activists, and experts come together to leverage climate engagement and an open climate dialogue to transform our economy, societies, and lives in the coming years." Tune in at 9pm each night until Apr 26 for a different free talk.
One Planet One Community - Earth Day Webinars
Green Initiatives has brought together several businesses with a mind for ecological endeavors to highlight how we can use a post-COVID-19 world to bolster better, greener practices and provide a "future where such outbreaks are avoided, pollution is reduced, animal species are no longer extinct, and our future generations can live healthily on a thriving planet." All webinars run 8-9pm and are free to join.
Earth Day climate presentation by the CLEO Institute
US-based non-profit organization the CLEO Institute is running several online lectures and webinars via Zoom about climate change and what you can do to help mitigate its effects. Register for free and join the webinars as they happen between Apr 21-24.
Earth Day 2020 Challenge by Well Women
Well Women take a more active approach to saving the planet, inviting participants 'S.A.V.E the Earth' between Apr 21-24 by completing four simple tasks. Participants will also be entered into a lucky draw to win a Zero Waste Starter Pack. Simply scan the code in the poster above to join the related WeChat group.
Earth Day food deals and discounts
Moka Bros and Burger Box deals
If you prefer to walk, you'll want to head to Moka Bros, where they're giving diners a free medium smoothie if they can prove they have walked 10,00 steps in a day throughout Earth Week, until Apr 26. They're also discounting all vegan dishes by 20 percent. Meanwhile, sister restaurant Burger Box is doing buy one, get one free on all vegetarian burgers all day Wednesday.
Earth Day giveaway by Earthen Roots
To promote the eradication of plastic straws, Beijing-produced ginger beer brand Earthen Roots is offering a free, foldable silicon straw set with every six or 12 pack purchased from their online shop until Apr 30.
See all of this year's Earth Day events right here.
Image: NASA, Pengpai, courtesy of the oragnizers
