Some people only think about an eco lifestyle on Earth Day, April 22. However, a little research showed me that every month has a few unique and earth-friendly holidays that can be cause for celebration. Pick whichever ones appeal to you, then get out there and celebrate!
August is Water Quality Month. You might never think about the quality of your local water until something goes wrong, but pollution from high concentrations of nutrients in our water is becoming a widespread problem. On an individual level, we can help prevent such pollution by: avoiding pesticides and fertilizers, not dumping chemicals down the drain, picking up pet poop, paving less and planting more.
August is also Romance Awareness Month, National Golf Month and Admit You’re Happy Month.
The first week in August is World Breastfeeding Week, which promotes the value of breastfeeding and garners support for improved maternity benefits and nursing in the workplace. World Breastfeeding Week is observed in 120 countries.
August’s Celebrations by Date:
Since August is my birthday month (the 18th), I’ve listed a unique holiday for every single day. Which ones will you celebrate?
August 1 – International Childfree Day
Rooted in the 1970s, this day celebrates those people who choose not to be parents. Whatever their reasons for that may be, non-parents do help the planet by keeping the population down. You can actually nominate someone you know to be selected as Childfree Man & Woman of the Year.
August 2 – Sisters’ Day
August 3 – Watermelon Day
August 4 – Assistance Dog Day
August 5 – Underwear Day
Yes, there really is such a day for your “unmentionables” and it’s been celebrated since 2003, particularly in New York City where in 2013 they attempted to break a Guinness World Record for “largest gathering of people in their underwear.” So, you could stand around NY in your skivvies or you could use today to invest in some eco-friendly underwear.
August 6 – Wiggle Your Toes Day
August 7 – International Beer Day
August 8 – Garage Sale Day
Any spring or summer weekend is really a great time to benefit from a garage sale. What treasures might you find? What space can you clear out? Host one or go to one… it’s all sustainable.
August 9 – Book Lovers Day
Hit your local library or be a little greener by purchasing used books.
August 10 – World Lion Day
This day honors the King of Beasts who is silently decreasing in numbers so much so that the African Lion has been petitioned for placement on the threatened species list. View events in your area on World Lion Day.
August 11 – Play in the Sand Day
August 12 – World Elephant Day
August 13 – International Lefthanders Day
August 14 – Creamsicle Day
August 15 – National Honeybee Day
Now celebrated on the third Saturday in August, this day was meant to educate the public about the importance of honeybees. A decline in these pollinators means a decline in food production since estimates suggest that 50-80% of the world’s food supply is directly or indirectly linked to honeybee pollination. What can you do? Plant bee-friendly plants in your yard and support your local beekeepers – local honey tastes awesome!
August 16 – Tell a Joke Day
August 17 – Thrift Shop Day
August 18 – Mail Order Catalog Day
While this day was meant to commemorate the Montgomery Ward Catalog of 1872, it might serve a better purpose as a day to eliminate junk mail including those unwanted catalogs. Either that, or go out and toast Eco-Mom’s birthday with a drink. 
August 19 – World Humanitarian Day
August 20 – Lemonade Day
August 21 – Men’s Grooming Day
August 22 – Be an Angel Day
August 23 – Ride the Wind Day
August 24 – Pluto Demoted Day
August 25 – Kiss and Make Up Day
August 26 – Women’s Equality Day
Commemorating the day in 1920 when women officially received the right to vote, Women’s Equality Day is all about equal opportunities and a desistance of female oppression that still occurs worldwide. It can also be a great day to let the men be the primary parent, clean the house and cook the meals while we watch sports on TV.
August 27 – Burger Day
August 28 – Bow Tie Day
August 29 – More Herbs, Less Salt Day
Tickle your taste buds and improve your health by adding different herbs to your food. Dill, rosemary, cilantro, fennel, thyme… Most herbs don’t add calories and specific ones can lower blood sugar, ease heartburn or coughs, fight bacteria and decrease pain.
August 30 – Holistic Pet Day
This day encourages pet owners to use holistic treatments on their furry friends. This means viewing all aspects of a pet’s nutrition, lifestyle and environment as intertwined with its health.
August 31 – We Love Memoirs Day
