All Environmental Days & Dates For Your Calendar 2026

Get your finger on the pulse! Here is the ultimate guide to the sustainability and environmental awareness days and dates to know in 2026.

There are awareness days for everything from doughnuts to ice cream. There’s even one for my personal favourite – International Talk Like A Pirate Day (19th September if you’re wondering!). So it will come as no surprise that there are tons of environmental awareness days out there.

Whether you are planning some sustainability events in your workplace or your community, or are planning your social media calendar then here are the dates to know in 2026.

I have included some wildlife dates in this calendar. However, there are so many dedicated wildlife days out there that they would overwhelm this calendar. Instead, I’ve put together a separate guide to animal awareness days. You can use this as a handy companion to this guide.

The Environmental Days and Dates To Know In 2026

There are a ton of sustainability events this year, so this post is a BIG one. To make things easy, you can use the following quick links to see all the environmental awareness days for a specific month.

Or, if you are looking for all the days coming up this year, then keep scrolling down for a month-by-month breakdown. Just have a pen and paper handy, and perhaps a big mug of tea!

Note that some dates haven’t been confirmed for 2026 yet – particularly in the latter half of the year. Where this is the case, you’ll see it says ‘Date TBC’ next to the event, in the month it has historically fallen on. I’ll update these as soon as the new dates are made available.

January

Here are all the environmental awareness days you need to know for January:

Veganuary – Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st January 2026

Veganuary is a global event that encourages people to try eating vegan for the month of January and beyond. Each year, over 620,000 people pledge to try to eat only plant-based foods.

Veganuary says it “aims to inspire and support people to try vegan, drive corporate change, and create a global mass movement championing compassionate food choices with the aim of ending animal farming, protecting the planet, and improving human health”.

Buy Nothing New Month – Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st January 2026

Every year, Keep Britain Tidy run Buy Nothing New Month, where, for the month of January (formerly November), partipants make a commitment to buy nothing new, other than essentials like food and medicines. It’s part of Keep Britain Tidy’s work to inspire people to live more sustainably and understand that every purchase has an environmental footprint.

Sign up and you’ll get a digital guide to help you out, alongside weekly tips, ideas, and encouragement to keep you going all month long.

RSPB Big Schools Bird Watch – Tuesday 6th January to Friday 13th February 2026

The RSPB Big Schools’ Bird Watch is a bird survey for pupils to take part in whilst at school. Teachers, don’t worry – no knowledge of bird species is needed! This simple bird watch involves counting the number of birds on your school grounds over the course of one hour.

Sign up, and you’ll also get a free information pack from the RSPB. This includes helpful ID resources and survey sheets.

Energy Savers Week – Monday 19th to Sunday 25th January 2026

Energy Savers Week is a week dedicated to saving you money on your energy bills. It runs in partnership between Citizens Advice and The Energy Saving Trust. Here you’ll find top tips to save both energy and money on your heating. Plus, you can find energy advice resources, including booklets, leaflets and posters to share.

RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch – Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th January 2026

RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest wildlife survey.

It’s easy to join the 700,000 people taking part each year. All you have to do is sit back, relax and watch the birds in your garden or local park for an hour. Then let the RSPB know what you’ve seen. Even if you see very few birds or none at all, that’s also useful information for the RSPB.

The birdwatch helps provide a snapshot of how garden birds are doing in the UK. It is held at a similar time every year so the RSPB can compare the results with previous years.

International Day of Clean Energy – Monday 26th January 2026

The UN’s International Day of Clean Energy is a call to raise awareness and mobilise action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. There are online conferences on the day that you can watch, and useful resources on the UN webpage.

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February

Here are the environmental awareness days and dates for February:

World Wetlands Day – Monday 2nd February 2026

World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on the 2nd of February to raise awareness about wetlands. After all, wetlands are critically important – contributing to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, and more. Yet these important landscapes are now critically endangered.

Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s. What’s more, we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. By raising awareness, we can help encourage actions to conserve and restore them.

Show The Love – Saturday 14th February 2026

Show the Love is an annual celebration of everything we love and want to protect from climate change. It’s been held every February since 2015. Here organisations, institutions, household names and millions of people join together and ask politicians to put aside their differences and tackle the climate crisis.

This climate action campaign is run by The Climate Coalition. This is the UK’s largest alliance dedicated to action against climate change.

World Day of Social Justice – Friday 20th February 2026

World Day of Social Justice, held annually on the 20th of February, serves a global reminder that everyone deserves equal rights, fair treatment and the chance to thrive. Led by the United Nations, the day highlights issues such as poverty, inequality, decent work and access to education across the globe.

International Polar Bear Day – Friday 27th February 2026

International Polar Bear Day, run by Polar Bear International, is an annual event celebrated every 27th of February. It aims to raise awareness about the plight of the polar bear. This environmental awareness day coincides with when polar bear mothers and cubs are snug in their dens.

Keeping mothers and cubs safe, while also addressing climate warming, is a critical part of Polar Bear International’s work. Take part in live events, learn about polar bears, and donate to help the plight of the polar bear.

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March

Get busy in March – there is a slew of environmental days to take part in!

World Wildlife Day – Tuesday 3rd March 2026

World Wildlife Day is a global event, held every year on 3rd March. It celebrates and raises awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.

We all rely on wildlife and biodiversity-based resources to meet our needs, from food to fuel, medicines, housing, and clothing. Millions of people also rely on nature as the source of their livelihoods and economic opportunities. As such, this day seeks to raise awareness of the vital role our wildlife has in sustaining the planet.

Check out my top nature facts for some compelling reasons to help celebrate nature on World Wildlife Day and beyond.

Wangari Maathai Day – Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Wangari Maathai Day – celebrated every year on the 3rd of March – honours the legacy of Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai. A Nobel Peace Prize winner, she founded the Green Belt Movement, empowering communities – especially women – to plant millions of trees.

The day raises awareness of reforestation, climate action, and sustainable development across Africa. It also coincides with Africa Environment Day, emphasising ecological restoration and environmental justice in line with Maathai’s lifelong activism for people and the planet.

Food Waste Action Week – Monday 9th to Friday 13th March 2026

Food Waste Action Week, organised by Love Food Hate Waste, is the UK’s biggest annual food waste reduction campaign. The week highlights the environmental impact of food waste while offering practical solutions, and encourages households to rethink how they store, cook, and use food to prevent waste.

With eye-opening facts, creative recipes, and simple hacks, it hopes to inspire people to make small changes that add up.

The Great British Spring Clean – Friday 13th to Sunday 29th March 2026

The Great British Spring Clean is Keep Britain Tidy’s annual national clean-up campaign.

Here, members of the British public join forces with a range of partners to pick up litter and clean up our landscapes. This includes big businesses and trusts, alongside community groups and councils. This helps to change behaviour permanently by spotlighting the problems caused by littering.

The Great Big School Clean – Friday 13th to Sunday 29th March 2026

The Great Big School Clean is the sister event to the Great British Spring Clean, where schools and their pupils are encouraged to pick up litter in their local community.

Schools can sign up online, and you’ll receive a digital pack of resources for teachers via email, to help you get started in your school. This contains a ‘how to’ litter-pick guide for schools, an assembly plan themed on litter, litter lesson ideas, early years flashcards, litter bingo games, and more.

Trees Are The Key Awareness Week – Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd March 2026

The yearly Trees Are The Key Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness of the many health benefits of trees. Particularly how planting more trees – especially in the tropics where they grow quickly – can help to tackle climate change.

This event encompasses the International Day of the Forests – on 21st March.

Run by The Word Forest Organisation, this UK-based charity plants trees, builds classrooms, facilitates education, and supports women’s empowerment groups. It also raises environmental awareness and plants trees in the UK.

The Big Walk & Wheel – Monday 16th to Friday 27th March 2026

Formerly known as The Big Pedal, The Big Walk & Wheel is the UK’s largest inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge. Run by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly known as Sustrans), it aims to inspire hundreds of thousands of pupils to get active during the school run.

It’s completely free for schools to take part, and comes with a host of free resources. These include curriculum-linked lesson plans, top tips, and a school assembly presentation.

Global Recycling Day – Wednesday 18th March 2026

Global Recycling Day is an environmental awareness day created in 2018 by the Global Recycling Foundation.

This day helps to recognise and celebrate the importance that recycling plays in saving carbon emissions. Each year, recycling alone saves over 700 million tonnes in carbon emissions. This is projected to increase to 1 billion tons by 2030.

Global Recycling Day seeks to tell world leaders that recycling is simply too important not to be a global issue. Instead, it advocated that a common, joined-up approach to recycling is urgently needed.

International Day of Forests – Saturday 21st March 2026

International Day of Forests is a worldwide event that celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

Download banners and posters to show your support. You can also organise or join an event celebrating forests. This includes symposiums, art exhibitions, and photo competitions. You could even host your own debate.

Alternatively, join the conversation on social media using the #IntlForestDay hashtag. Pass on some of this year’s key messages. Alternatively, take a photo of your favourite forest and share it using the hashtags. You can even test your knowledge of forests in the fun online quiz.

World Water Day – Sunday 22nd March 2026

Held on 22nd March every year since 1993, World Water Day celebrates the life-sustaining role of fresh water. The day also raises awareness of the 2 billion people across the globe living without access to safe water.

This environmental awareness day is marked globally with a variety of events. These can be theatrical, musical or lobbying in nature. The day often also includes campaigns to raise money for water projects.

Earth Hour – Saturday 28th March 2026

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organised by the World Wildlife Fund.

This annual event encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of March. Taking part is a symbol of your commitment to the planet.

WWF says “Earth Hour reminds us that even small actions can make a big difference. When we make changes in our own lives to reduce our footprint, we inspire those around us to do the same. And together, we are a powerful global movement that governments and businesses can’t ignore”.

Before taking part you can download the My Footprint app from WWF and take on a challenge. You can also listen to Call of the Wild, WWF-UK’s podcast hosted by Cel Spellman. Plus you can encourage friends and family to take part in Earth Hour by spreading the word to your networks using the hashtag #EarthHourUK. 

International Day Of Zero Waste – Monday 30th March 2026

The International Day of Zero Waste, observed each year on the 30th of March, is a day devoted to promoting sustainable consumption and waste reduction worldwide.

Spearheaded by the United Nations, the day aims to raise awareness of the environmental and social impacts of waste while encouraging individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt circular economy practices. From cutting food waste to eliminating single-use plastics, it’s all about highlighting practical solutions for a cleaner planet.

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April

Here are all the dates for your diary for April:

National Hanging Out Day – Sunday 19th April 2026

National Hanging Out Day, held every year on the 19th of April, isn’t about getting together with your pals. Instead, the day encourages people to dry their laundry on their washing line or clothes horse, instead of in the tumble dryer. But there’s no stopping you if you do want to make it a group activity!

A celebration of low impact habits, the day is all about saving energy, reducing the wear and tear on your favourite items of clothing, and overall just treading that little bit more lightly when you can.

Fashion Revolution Week – Wednesday 22nd to Tuesday 28th April 2026

Each year in April, Fashion Revolution Week encourages us to ask our favourite brands, ‘Who made my clothes?’. Doing so helps to demand a fairer, more transparent industry. This helps to ensure that fashion brands continue to listen and helps to create the permanent change needed to ensure we never see a tragedy like the Rana Plaza collapse again. 

Find useful resources and templates on the Fashion Revolution website to help amplify the message.

Earth Day – Wednesday 22nd April 2026

Earth Day is an annual event which seeks to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

First held on April 22, 1970, the event is now in its 56th year. The day now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.

With over 1 billion people taking part, from more than 193 countries, it’s one of the biggest environmental days going.

International Mother Earth Day – Wednesday 22nd April 2026

International Mother Earth Day falls on the same day as Earth Day. It brings people across the globe together to promote the need to live in harmony with nature and the earth. The day also highlights the need to restore what we have degraded.

22nd April was first established by the United Nations (UN) as International Mother Earth Day in 2009 so that it could join groups that had previously celebrated Earth Day on the same date. The UN explains that the term ‘Mother Earth’ is used because it “reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit”.

The Big River Watch – Thursday 23rd to Wednesday 29th April 2026

The Big River Watch, organised by The Rivers Trust, invites you to participate in a simple citizen science activity twice a year – once in April and again in September. This helps build a picture of river health across the UK and Ireland.

Whether you’re a swimmer or a paddler, an angler or a rambler, a wildlife spotter or just someone who cares about the health of our waterways, you can download the app. Then head to your nearest river and complete the 15-minute survey. This will help The Rivers Trust identify and locate any problems in the river network.

Mend In Public Day – Saturday 25th April 2026

Mend In Public Day – organised by Fashion Revolution – is an annual day of collective action which falls within Fashion Revolution Week. There are many public mending events held across the globe – including many in the UK. Find your nearest one on the website, get out into your local community and stitch in protest against disposable fashion.

All skill levels are welcome. Fashion Revolution say “Amidst busy Saturday shoppers, we will repair our torn pockets and broken seams and spark conversations on making Loved Clothes Last”.

Reusable Nappy Week – Tuesday 28th April to Monday 4th May 2026

Reusable Nappy Week is an annual celebration that highlights the benefits of ditching disposables in favour of cloth nappies. It’s all about spreading the word on how reusable nappies can reduce waste, save money, and be surprisingly easy to use.

With events, discounts, and advice shared by parents and experts alike, the week encourages more people to give cloth a go. It’s a brilliant chance to learn, share experiences, and try out washable alternatives.

Stop Food Waste Day – Wednesday 29th April 2026

Stop Food Waste Day is an environmental awareness day that seeks to educate and ignite change around the issue of food waste.

Food waste is an expensive issue. It’s estimated that 32% cent of all food purchased per year in the UK is not eaten. 

Food waste also has a significant environmental impact. It’s estimated that half of the water used to produce this food also goes to waste. This is because agriculture is the largest human use of water. Food waste also releases methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change, if not disposed of properly.

Stop Food Waste Day aims to tackle this issue by helping to halve food waste by 2030. Find useful tips to prevent food waste. You can also take a pledge on social media to reduce your food waste, using the hashtag #stopfoodwasteday.

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May

Here are all the environmental days going on in May:

No Meat May – Friday 1st to Sunday 31st May 2026

No Meat May is a month-long challenge to eliminate meat from your diet for all 31 days in May. The team says taking part will improve your health, help the planet, and help end animal suffering, all whilst doing your bit for world hunger.

Find meal plans and recipe ideas to help you get started. You can also encourage your friends, start a workplace team, plan some fun foodie events, and join the No Meat May online community for support and inspiration.

No Mow May – Friday 1st to Sunday 31st May 2026

No Mow May is an annual event run by the environmental charity Plantlife. It encourages people across the UK – and beyond – to lock up their lawnmowers on 1st May.

Leaving your lawnmower in the shed and letting your lawn grow long, just for the month of May, has many benefits. It means smaller plants like clover, daisies, dandelions, selfheal and clover will get a chance to flower and give pollinating insects a head-start.

This is important as, since the 1930s, we have lost nearly 7.5 million acres of flower-rich meadows and pastures. Just 1% of our countryside now provides this floral feast for pollinators. With 15 million gardens in Britain, our lawns have the potential to become major sources of nectar.

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) – Sunday 3rd to Saturday 9th May 2026

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is celebrated each year during the first full week of May. It’s the largest and most comprehensive education initiative in the compost industry.

Here, community, school, government and business events are held to encourage and celebrate all types of composting. This includes small-scale garden setups to large-scale commercial setups.

The goal of ICAW is to work together to raise public awareness on why we all should be composting our organic waste and using compost. The awareness week includes poster and video contests, and activities and events.

Water Saving Week – Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th May 2026

Hosted by Waterwise, the leading independent voice in the UK for using water wisely, Water Saving Week is a week dedicated to conserving this precious natural resource.

With advice throughout the week on how to reduce your water usage and why it’s important to do so, you’ll be a super saver in no time!

Endangered Species Day – Friday 15th May 2026

Endangered Species Day is a global event that involves celebrating, learning about, and taking action to protect threatened and endangered species. Held every year on the third Friday in May, it’s been running since 2006. With events online and across the globe, it’s a fun way to get involved in helping to protect our most vulnerable species.

Walk To School Week – Monday 18th to Friday 22nd May 2026

Walk to School Week is a long-established annual campaign from sustainable transport charity Living Streets. It aims to encourage school pupils to travel sustainably to school every day of the week.

During the week, pupils can track their progress each day on the interactive classroom wallchart, unlocking new levels and knowledge as they go. Individual activity diaries, daily stickers and end-of-week pupil rewards help to complement this activity. This reinforces the benefits of walking and keeps children engaged.

World Bee Day – Wednesday 20th May 2026

World Bee Day (which can lead to people asking if you meant to say ‘World Bidet’!) is, contrary to how it sounds, not a day celebrating a bathroom receptacle.

Instead, it is an international day, held every year on the 20th of May, that aims to raise awareness of the vital role of bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy. The day also seeks to raise awareness around the many challenges bees face today. 

With bees, pollinators, and many other insects in decline, it’s an opportunity to promote actions that protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats. This is whether we work for governments, organisations or civil society or are simply concerned citizens.

National Children’s Gardening Week – Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026

National Children’s Gardening Week is an annual festival of fun, developed to foster an early love of gardening.

Throughout the week, children, parents, grandparents, schools or garden businesses can find ideas for fun garden projects and activities. You can also find details on any local events near you.

Every Flower Counts – Sunday 31st May 2026

Every Flower Counts is a Plantlife citizen science activity. It provides a snap-shot health check of our lawns, and takes place at the end of No Mow May.

Plantlife wants to know which flowers are most abundant on lawns. From there, they can work out how much nectar they are producing and how nectar scores have changed from previous years.

It’s very easy to take part. Every Flower Counts takes just a few minutes to do. And no botanical knowledge is needed. Everyone signing up will receive some simple wildflower identification help for 26 common lawn flowers.

Once you’ve submitted your results online, you’ll instantly receive your own Personal Nectar Score. This shows you how many bees your lawn can support.

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June

Here are all the environmental awareness days in June to know:

30 Days Wild – Monday 1st to Tuesday 30th June 2026

30 Days Wild, run by The Wildlife Trust, is the UK’s biggest nature challenge. Here, people are invited to sign up and try one ‘random act of wildness’ every day, for 30 days in June.

This could be something involved, such as planting wildflower seeds or going on a bug hunt. Or it could be something more sedate, such as listening to birdsong, admiring a tree, or sketching, drawing or painting nature.

Sign up and you’ll receive a digital pack full of fantastic ideas to wild your June. There are also options for schools, care homes and businesses to take part.

World Bike Day – Wednesday 3rd June 2026

World Bike Day, held every year on the 3rd of June, draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle – a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally sustainable means of transportation.

The day encourages us to see the bicycle as a means of:

• Fostering sustainable development
• Strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people,
• Promoting health and preventing disease,
• Promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect
• And facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace.

Look out for led rides, bicycle maintenance events and more in your local area.

World Environment Day – Friday 5th June 2026

World Environment Day – held every year on the 5th of June – is an international day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually since 1973, the event has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. Here, millions of people from across the world engage in online and in-person events to protect the planet.

The Great Big Green Week – Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th June 2026

The Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. Here you can host an event in your community, or find an event to attend in your local area.

Founded by The Climate Coalition, it’s supported by the WWF, RSPB, The National Trust, Muslim Charities Forum, the Fairtrade Foundation, Islamic Relief, Manchester United Foundation, and The Women’s Institute. This represents some of the biggest environmental and social charities around.

World Oceans Day – Monday 8th June 2026

World Oceans Day – held annually on the 8th of June – seeks to raise awareness of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. As well as being the lungs of our planet, our oceans are also an important source of food and medicine. Plus they are a critical part of our biosphere.

The purpose of the environmental awareness day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean. It also seeks to develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean.

Bike Week – Tuesday 9th to Monday 15th June 2026

Bike Week is all about encouraging as many people as possible to get out there and enjoy their community by bike.

There are many different ways to participate in Bike Week. From setting up or attending a local cycling event, such as a local ride, film screening or talk. You can campaign or lobby to set up a local campaigning group. Or you can encourage friends or colleagues to simply try out cycling. If you prefer a less hands-on approach, you can also donate to help raise money to help transform cycling in your local area.

International Working Animals Day – Monday 15th June 2026

International Working Animals Day seeks to raise awareness about the vital role of working animals in people’s everyday lives. Both for families in the world’s poorest communities, and those in the UK and other wealthier nations.

Many everyday products we enjoy – from tea and coffee to chocolate, sugar and flowers – start the journey to our homes via the back of a working animal. From Costa Rica to Ethiopia, many animals are involved in transporting agricultural produce in small farms, fields and plantations.

These animals often lead short, hard lives. They work in extreme conditions, with little rest, poor nutrition and no access to essential veterinary treatment. SPANA, the charity behind the awareness day, believes that these animals deserve help, as well as greater respect and recognition.

World Refill Day – Tuesday 16th June 2026

World Refill Day is a global campaign to prevent plastic pollution and help people live with less waste.

Join thousands of everyday activists around the world to call on businesses, brands and governments to join the refill and reuse revolution. Together we can all help make single-use plastic a thing of the past.

There are heaps of ways to get involved. Choose to reuse. Call out the biggest brands and polluters on social media and let them know we need them to act now. Support your local refill shops. Or share photos on social media using the hashtag #WorldRefillDay.

Plastic-Free Beauty Day – Wednesday 17th June 2026

Plastic-Free Beauty Day is a day dedicated to challenging the use of plastic packaging in the beauty products we buy. As such, the day seeks to educate beauty brands, retailers and consumers on the serious impact plastic pollution is having on our environment.

Take part in a plastic-free beauty pledge, to show cosmetics brands that we want change in the industry. Or take part in webinars to learn more about all things plastic-free beauty and more. To get a head start, check out these plastic-free makeup brands leading by example.

World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought – Wednesday 17th June 2026

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

The day calls on everyone to treat the land as a limited and precious natural capital, prioritise its health, and push hard to restore the land. The UN says everyone has a role to play because everyone has a stake in the future.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day – Thursday 18th June 2026

Sustainable Gastronomy Day is a day organised by the UN that celebrates seasonal ingredients and producers. It also seeks to raise awareness of the need to preserve wildlife as well as our culinary traditions.

The day encourages us all to choose and cook food in a way that considers all it takes for food to get from fields to our plates. This includes how the food is grown and transported, through to what ingredients we choose and where we buy them from.

Clean Air Day – Thursday 18th June 2026

Clean Air Day, run by Global Action Plan, is the UK’s largest campaign on air pollution. This annual event aims to help drive a positive shift in public knowledge and action around air pollution. As such, it is a chance to find out more about air pollution, share information, and make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone. 

World Rainforest Day – Monday 22nd June 2026

World Rainforest Day recognises standing, healthy forests as one of the most powerful and cost-effective climate change mitigation tools we have. As such it wants to create a global movement to protect and restore them.

Each year a summit brings together rainforest guardians to explore solutions for forest ecosystems under threat, to help conserve our rainforests.

Insect Week – Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th June 2026

Insect Week is a week-long celebration of, you’ve guessed it, all things insect. Organised by the Royal Entomological Society, and supported by partner organisations throughout the UK and Europe, the week is a great opportunity to take part in insect science, get to know insects, learn from experts, and have fun. Find details of events, access learning resources and more on the dedicated website.

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July

Here are all the environmental awareness days in July to add to your calendar:

Plastic Free July – Wednesday 1st to Friday 31st July 2026

Plastic Free July is an annual month-long event that encourages people to choose to refuse single-use plastic products and packaging.

The campaign provides resources and ideas to help you (and millions of others around the world) reduce single-use plastic waste every day at home, work, school, and even at your local café. So far the global movement has impressively inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries. 

Check out my plastic-free July ideas to help get you started.

Don’t Step On A Bee Day – Friday 10th July 2026

As part of Bees’ Needs Week, Don’t Step On A Bee Day is celebrated each year on the 10th of July. This day highlights the plight of bees and other pollinators, and the need to look out for them.

Bees’ Needs Week – Monday 13th to Sunday 19th July 2026

Bees’ Needs Week is an annual bee awareness event coordinated by Defra (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs).

The aim of the week is to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators. It’s also a way to share ideas, actions and activities so that everyone can help bees and other pollinators to thrive. Conservation groups, businesses and charities get involved, and you can join in too.

Big Butterfly Count – Date TBC

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide citizen science survey that helps Butterfly Conservation – a butterfly charity – assess the health of the environment. To take part simply count the amount and type of butterflies (and day-flying moths) you see in a 15-minute period.

You don’t need to be a butterfly expert to be a part of the count. You can use the Butterfly Conservation’s free app. Or you can grab a copy of their ID chart to help you identify the species you spot.

Love Parks Week – Date TBC

Love Parks Week, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, is a week-long event designed to give people across the country the chance to shout about their wonderful green spaces. 

Whether it’s walking the dog, picnicking with friends, or pushing our little ones on a playground swing, our parks give our communities, our children, and our pets a vital space to play, grow, and bond. 

Love Parks Week was set up to celebrate and support the efforts of volunteers and workers up and down the country to maintain and protect our green spaces. Find events in your local area to show your support for green spaces.

National Marine Week – Date TBC

National Marine Week is, despite its name, a 15-day-long nationwide celebration of all things marine, led by The Wildlife Trusts. There are events online and nationwide to take part in. This includes litter picks and beach cleans. Or try the online events to learn how to conserve water, and use less plastic.

Bog Day – Sunday 26th July 2026

Bog Day is an annual event, held on the 4th Sunday of July, that celebrates bogs, fens, swamps and marshes. Run by the IUCN (International Union For The Conservation Of Nature) – the day is an opportunity to raise awareness of peatlands. This includes the benefits they provide, the threats they face and the ways we can help protect them.

Global Tiger Day – Wednesday 29th July 2026

Global Tiger Day, led by the WWF, is a chance to learn more about this critically endangered species and what you can do to help them.

It’s held annually on the 29th July. Find out more about one of our planet’s most iconic big cats, the threats they face and what you can do to help safeguard their future. Show your support for tigers, or even adopt a tiger to help protect this big cat and its habitat.

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August

Take part in these environmental days in August:

National Allotments Week – Monday 10th to Sunday 16th August 2026

National Allotments Week started in 2002 as a way of raising awareness of allotments. Particularly the role they play in helping people to live healthier lifestyles, grow their own food, develop friendships and bolster communities.

The campaign week is still thriving 20 years later. Each year it focuses on a different theme. 2025 saw the week focus on allotments and wellbeing, looking at their role in helping people live healthier lifestyles, grow their food, develop friendships, and bolster communities.

World Plant Milk Day – Saturday 22nd August 2026

World Plant Milk Day is an international day that celebrates plant-based alternatives to dairy milk. Take the 7-day dairy-free challenge, and encourage your friends and family to join in too.

Aiming to accelerate the transition from dairy milk to the rich variety of plant-based alternatives, it’s a great way to reduce your impact on the planet.

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September

Get busy in September with all of these environmental awareness days:

Organic September – Tuesday 1st to Wednesday 30th September 2026

Organic September is a month-long campaign, led by the Soil Association, to raise awareness of the many benefits of organic food and farming. This includes:

• Supporting biodiversity and wildlife.
• Helping to combat climate change.
• Contributing to higher standards of animal welfare.
• Reducing exposure to pesticides.

Here organic businesses come together to raise awareness of the benefits of organic and the efforts organic brands, farms and businesses make to support nature and wildlife and protect the planet.

Second-Hand September – Tuesday 1st to Wednesday 30th September 2026

Second-Hand September is a campaign led by Oxfam to encourage people to buy only second-hand items for 30 days in the month of September. 

Oxfam says “When a new pair of jeans is made, an estimated 16.2kg of CO2 is emitted – the equivalent of driving over 58 miles in a car. So, by recirculating our clothes – buying, wearing and donating second-hand – we can help to reduce the demand for new clothes. And this could in turn help to reduce the damage to our planet”.

Share your second-hand finds on social media and join an incredible community of pre-loved devotees!

Sourdough September – Tuesday 1st to Wednesday 30th September 2026

Sourdough September is a month-long event led by the Real Bread Campaign to help everyone worldwide discover that life’s sweeter with sourdough!

Launched in 2013, the main aims of #SourdoughSeptember are to encourage people to:

• Bake genuine sourdough bread.
• Buy genuine sourdough bread from small, independent bakeries.
• Boost the Real Bread Campaign.

Find sourdough classes, tastings, feasts and more to help everyone experience and enjoy the power of sour.

National Tofu Day – Tuesday 1st September 2026

National Tofu Day is the UK’s time to celebrate everything tofu and encourages everyone to enjoy tofu in as many ways as possible. Run by The Vegan Society, you can find helpful recipes on the website to help get you on board with this versatile plant-based source of protein.

Zero Waste Week – Monday 7th to Friday 11th September 2026

Zero Waste Week is an annual awareness campaign that takes place online and on the ground. It works to help householders, businesses, organisations, schools, universities and community groups reduce landfill waste, so you can save money, preserve resources and protect the environment.

To take part, all you have to do is choose an action which will help you reduce your waste. Once you decide on your action, do it every day throughout Zero Waste Week in September and share your experience with others in person or online using the hashtag #ZeroWasteWeek.

Check out my zero-waste resources to get you off to a good start.

International Day of Charity – Saturday 6th September 2026

International Day of Charity – marked each year on the 5th of September – brings people together to build more just and resilient societies, whether that’s through direct giving, volunteering, or collective action. The date was chosen to commemorate Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Inspired to do something on this day? Try my guide to environmental charities for ideas on who to support.

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies – Monday 7th September 2026

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies – held every year on the 7th of September – is all about the importance of tackling air pollution. The day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take action – whether that’s by reducing car journeys, supporting renewable energy, or planting trees.

World Dolphin Day – Saturday 12th September 2026

The 12th of September 2023 saw the inaugural International World Dolphin Day, and it’s back again for 2026, aiming to raise awareness and encourage more people to speak out against the slaughters on the Faroe Islands.

Organised by Stop The Grind, this global coalition of organisations and individuals is working together to end the inhumane and unnecessary killing of dolphins and whales in the Faroe Islands. Here annual dolphin hunts have taken place for hundreds of years.

The 12th of September is significant as it marks the anniversary of the day when 1428 dolphins were killed in the Faroe Islands in 2021. As the largest single slaughter of cetaceans in recorded history, the day stands as a reminder that dolphins around the world need more protection.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – Wednesday 16th September 2026

International Day For The Preservation Of The Ozone Layer commemorates the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

This is an important day to commemorate as this day ended a huge threat to humanity as a whole: the depletion of the ozone layer. When the world found out that ozone-depleting gases used in aerosols and cooling were creating a hole in the sky, they came together. They showed that multilateralism and effective global cooperation worked and they phased out these gases.

The Big River Watch – Date TBC

The Big River Watch, organised by The Rivers Trust, invites you to participate in a simple citizen science activity twice a year – once in April and again in September – that helps build a picture of river health across the UK and Ireland.

Whether you’re a swimmer or a paddler, an angler or a rambler, a wildlife spotter or just someone who cares about the health of our waterways, you can download the app and complete the 15-minute survey to help The Rivers Trust identify and locate any problems in the river network.

Even if you didn’t take part in the first event in April, you can still take part in September’s event.

The Great British Beach Clean – Friday 18th to Sunday 27th September 2026

The Great British Beach Clean encourages thousands of people across the UK to head to the coast to help clean up our beaches. Here, hundreds of beach cleans take place up and down the UK. Data from the litter collected then helps drive the Marine Conservation Society’s conservation work. 

World Clean Up Day – Sunday 20th September 2026

Held on the 20th of September each year, World Clean Up Day unites millions of volunteers, governments and organisations in 191 countries to tackle our global waste problem.

On the day volunteers and partners worldwide come together to clean up litter and mismanaged waste from beaches, rivers, forests, and streets. Cleaning up hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste each year, it’s a great litter-picking day to get involved in.

FSC Forest Week – Monday 21st to Sunday 27th September 2026

FSC Forest Week is an annual awareness campaign to increase knowledge, encourage commitment and raise appreciation for responsible forestry.

Here people are encouraged to do their part for forests by committing to buy FSC-certified products. People are also encouraged to say ‘no’ to illegally logged wood or violations of the human rights of forest workers. You can also participate by sharing your favourite forest pictures on social media and telling your friends why forests should be protected.

International Day of Peace – Monday 21st September 2026

International Day of Peace – also officially known as World Peace Day – is observed each year on the 21st of September. The day acts as a global call to pause and reflect on how we can create a more harmonious world.

Fair Trade Fortnight – Monday 21st September to Sunday 4th October 2026

Fair Trade Fortnight celebrates the farmers and workers who grow the world’s food and promotes fair trade.

For two weeks each year, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and grow the cotton in our clothes.

This helps to raise awareness of the people in our supply chains that are often exploited and underpaid and helps to raise awareness of the importance of choosing Fair Trade.

Recycle Week – Date TBC

Recycle Week is the nation’s annual celebration of recycling. It’s the one week of the year where retailers, brands, waste management companies, trade associations, governments and the media come together to achieve one goal: to galvanise the public into recycling more of the right things, more often.

Learn more about what can and can’t be recycled, and help press more brands into using recycled and recyclable packaging on their products.

World Car Free Day – Tuesday 22nd September 2026

World Car Free Day is a chance for people to experience streets free of motor traffic. Celebrated in towns and cities around the world, this environmental awareness day is a great chance to re-imagine our streets around people.

The day is a great opportunity to host events in your local community and start the conversation around what would make walking even better where you live.

Living Streets, the sustainable transport charity, coordinates the UK activities for World Car Free Day. The charity can offer you all the information and helpful starting points you need. This could help to transform your street into a place for seating, cycle parking or lanes, gardens, play areas or art.

Seed Gathering Season – Wednesday 23rd September to Friday 23rd October 2026

Seed Gathering Season, led by The Tree Council, encourages everyone to join in gathering seeds, fruits and nuts and nurturing the trees of the future. 

Beginning on the 23rd of September – the autumn equinox – Seed Gathering Season is the perfect start to autumn, and is a great way to encourage people to start growing their own trees.

World Rivers Day – Sunday 27th September 2026

World Rivers Day is held each year on the 4th Sunday in September, as a celebration of the world’s waterways. As well as highlighting the values of rivers, this awareness day strives to increase public awareness of the need to look after our waterways. It also calls for the improved stewardship of rivers around the world.

Look out for stream clean-ups near you on the day and more.

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste – Tuesday 29th September 2026

I find it really ironic that the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is such a mouthful to say! Nonetheless, this day dedicated to food waste is all about the need to rethink how we produce, buy, and consume food.

Every year, vast amounts of food is unnecessarily wasted, squandering the water, energy, and land used to grow it, and making it a major contributor to climate change. This day encourages us to take simple steps – like planning meals, storing food properly, and supporting local producers – to collectively help reduce waste.

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October

Here are all of the sustainability days in October:

Unblocktober – Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st October 2026

Unblocktober is a month-long national campaign and awareness month to improve the health of our drains, sewers, watercourses and seas – driven completely by the British public. Campaigning to clean our drains helps to reduce the impact that our waste is having on our climate and ecology. 

International Walk To School Month – Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st October 2026

International Walk To School Month is a month-long celebration where children across the globe celebrate walking to school.

Promoting sustainable travel habits, the joy of exercise and road safety, there are heaps of ways to get involved. Even if your child can’t walk the full way to school, parents are encouraged to park a short distance away from the school and walk the last little bit to ease congestion and improve air quality around the vicinity of your school.

Black History Month – Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st October 2026

Black History Month is intrinsically linked to the environmental movement. Colonialisation has harmed Black communities through the extraction of natural resources, the erasure of culture, the impacts of slavery, and more.

And in the 21st century, Black and brown communities are more likely to live near toxic waste sites, live in communities with fewer environmental amenities, be harmed by climate change, inhale fine particulate matter and more. 

Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture, and help tackle environmental racism.

World Vegetarian Day – Thursday 1st October 2026

World Vegetarian Day is an annual celebration of all things vegetarian. For those new to vegetarianism, it serves as an enticement to give meatless fare a try (even for a day) and learn about its many benefits. And, for vegetarians and those already moving towards plant-based diets, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate their food choices.

No Disposable Cup Day – Sunday 4th October 2026

No Disposable Cup Day is an annual environmental awareness day to encourage people to stop using disposable cups for just one day. By highlighting the environmental problems caused by disposable cups, the campaign encourages everyone to permanently switch to reusable cups.

World Animal Day – Sunday 4th October 2026

World Animal Day is a day that aims to raise the status of animals to improve welfare standards around the globe.

To achieve this, animal welfare organisations, community groups, youth and children’s clubs, businesses and individuals are encouraged to organise events in celebration of World Animal Day. By uniting the animal welfare movement like this, the day aims to mobilise people for action now for a better future for animals.

World Habitat Day – Monday 5th October 2026

Falling every year on the first Monday of October, the UN’s World Habitat Day is a day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of our planet.

World Circular Textiles Day – Thursday 8th October 2026

World Circular Textiles Day – held every year on the 8th of October – is a day that celebrates the efforts of a growing community of companies, organisations and individuals actively working towards a circular textiles future.

This means fabrics are kept in use for as long as possible. Instead of being thrown away, they’re recycled and turned into new textiles. In this system, new clothes are made from old ones, so there’s less need to use resource-intensive virgin materials.

International E-Waste Day – Wednesday 14th October 2026

International E-Waste Day aims to raise awareness of the problems of electronic/electrical waste and encourage householders to recycle their electrical waste.

According to the United Nations, each person produces on average 7.6 kg of e-waste. This works out to a staggering 57.4 million tons of e-waste generated worldwide each year. Only 17.4% of this waste, containing a mixture of harmful substances and precious materials, is properly collected and recycled, so this awareness day aims to halt the cycle of e-waste ending up in landfill.

World Food Day – Friday 16th October 2026

World Food Day promotes worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all, leaving no one behind. 

With collective action in over 150 countries, hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, businesses, civil society, the media, the public, and the youth. Working together in this way helps to prioritise the rights all people have to access food, nutrition, peace and equality.

Water Night – Date TBC

Water Night is an annual event organised by Waterwise to raise awareness about water conservation and encourage everyone to value water more. You can take part by turning off all non-essential taps from 5 pm to 10 pm, and you can access useful resources on the Waterwise website.

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November

Here are all the environmental days in November to get your teeth into.

World Vegan Month – Sunday 1st to Monday 30th November 2026

World Vegan Month, set up by the Vegan Society, is celebrated around the world as a time to shine a light on the vegan movement.

You’ll find the promotion of vegan events, recipes, clothing and more during this month-long celebration.

World Kindness Day – Friday 13th November 2026

World Kindness Day is an annual day that was formed in 1998, to promote kindness throughout the world.

On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organisations.

Anybody wishing to take part in World Kindness Day can pledge a good deed. You can also find a range of resources including ideas for random acts of kindness both large and small on the campaign’s website.

Global Education Week – Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd November 2026

Global Education Week is an annual worldwide awareness-raising initiative taking part each year during the third week of November. The week aims to raise awareness about global education as a tool for solidarity and change and as a way of contributing to a more sustainable, peaceful and equitable world. As such, you’ll find discussions, workshops, film screenings, and talks to rethink our habits and ways of living, spending, and consuming.

National Tree Week – Date TBC

National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration. Here people are encouraged to plant trees to mark the start of the winter tree planting season.

Trees and hedgerows are some of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against climate change. Whether you plant a tree in a pot on your doorstep, a hedge in your garden or organise a community event at a local park, every tree will help to grow a greener future together. 

Download the free tree planting guide to find out more about what tree to choose, where to plant and how to do it! Alternatively, if you want to plant as part of a team, you can get in touch with your local Tree Warden Network and find out whether they’re organising any planting events near you.

Buy Nothing Day – Friday 27th November 2026

Buy Nothing Day is an international day of protest against consumerism. In the United Kingdom, Buy Nothing Day is held on the day after U.S. Thanksgiving. The reason is that this allows Buy Nothing Day to fall on the same day as Black Friday – the day that retailers normally offer big discounts to lure in shoppers.

Take part in any way you choose – just buy nothing on the day, if you can. If you want to get more involved, look out for various gatherings and events that promote anti-consumerism on the day, as well as online events.

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December

Here are all the environmental awareness dates in December for your calendar.

Giving Tuesday – Tuesday 1st December 2026

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the last decade, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

You can volunteer your time; donate money; share your skills; campaign for something; donate goods, food, or clothes; or organise a community event such as a street or park clean-up or a coffee morning. The list is endless.

World Soil Day – Saturday 5th December 2026

World Soil Day is held annually on 5th December to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

This environmental day aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization, and increasing soil awareness. It also encourages societies to improve soil health.

International Mountain Day – Friday 11th December 2026

International Mountain Day was set up in 2003 by the UN to highlight the importance of sustainable mountain development.

Our mountains are under threat from climate change and overexploitation. As the global climate continues to warm, mountain people – some of the world’s poorest – face even greater struggles to survive. The rising temperatures also mean that mountain glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, affecting freshwater supplies downstream for millions of people.

The day seeks to help mobilise people to take care of our mountains, based on a particular theme. Previous years have included “Mountain minorities and indigenous peoples.” This aimed to raise awareness about indigenous peoples and marginalised groups who live in mountain environments and the relevance of their cultural heritage, traditions and customs.

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That’s a literal ton of events right there to keep you busy! As always, if you know of any more sustainability or environmental days then do let me know. I’ll be sure to add them here!