What will you do on 22 April when Earth Day arrives? It’s an occasion as worthy of your attention as holidays, birthdays and anniversaries, because without our Earth, we wouldn’t be around to mark any of these personal landmarks!

Do you have to do something extreme to celebrate Earth Day like the daredevil dudes who undertook death-defying stunts thousands of feet in the air to call attention to our fragile planet?

Not necessarily. Small efforts are just as valuable. If you’re devoted to our planet, we’ve got ideas that won’t frighten anyone, including your mum. Just don’t undertake these Earth Day efforts on your own when you can recruit friends to help save the world, too!

Plant a tree along your running route.

Got a shovel? How about a starter tree? That’s all it takes. As long as you don’t violate Singapore law to show your love of nature, pick a spot along your conditioning route that looks rather lonely and in need of a tree. 2016 happens to be the year Earth Day calls attention to the wonder of trees, each of which can neutralize emissions that build up when a vehicle travels 26,000 miles.

One tree offsets that many miles? You bet. Think about that every time you run past your tree, and if you accomplish your mission, you can even help Earth Day organisers reach a milestone by planting 7.8 billion new trees over the next five years.

Photo Credit: 123RF

Patronize responsible sporting goods manufacturers.

Commit to buying the products that help you run faster, better and more efficiently by doing background checks on manufacturers so you don’t find yourself supporting companies that are doing more to destroy the Earth than nurturing it.

Fortunately, more and more manufacturers have come to realize that it’s possible to make a profit while still being ecologically responsible, so be on the lookout to find companies eager to do the right thing. But it’s not enough to stick to these brands when you shop; spread the word to fellow runners about this subject and you’ll help responsible companies succeed.

Trade one day of driving for a day on foot.

Is this a hardship? What kind of a runner are you? We can see you shaking your head and mumbling about getting all sweaty going to and from work one day a week, but if you keep a change of clothes at the office or commit yourself to undertaking your substitute travel on a day that allows casual dress, you can do this. But no martyrs, please!

If it’s raining or the Singapore weather is so sultry just stepping outside your door is exhausting, forget travelling on foot. But leave the car at home so you make good on your pledge and take public transportation instead.

Photo Credit: 123RF

Use mass transit to get where you're going.

Speaking of public transport, how often do you take advantage of Singapore’s sleek, efficient mass transit system? Your tax dollars help support and maintain this vast network, and since you’re now aware of this fact, you have more than enough reason to help save Earth by using public transport to get to running events, social get-togethers and work.

Please don’t whine and make excuses that the Singapore route map is too confusing to understand. This map can help you figure out how to get where you’re going without burning out too many brain cells.

Patronize resources that grow and sell Earth-friendly crops.

Can all of your running efforts be sabotaged by eating foods exposed to pesticides, herbicides and toxic chemicals that can wind up in the world’s food supply? That’s a yes. Thankfully, our nation makes a serious commitment to sustainable agriculture. Organisations like SGS who keep tabs on crops grown in our small nation and encourages Earth-saving methods like vertical farming to maximize Singapore's growing capacity.

Buy produce from these innovative farms and everyone benefits: You stay healthy. They stay in the business and the Earth feeds its people efficiently. Investigate local resources like Green Sky and other vertical farms and find one to patronize that's close by. If you shop at NTUC FairPrice, you may already be eating produce from sky high growers!

Photo Credit: 123RF

Imagine your life if Earth didn't exist!

Sure, it’s a scary thought — one that’s almost inconceivable, but statistics don’t lie and if individuals like you don’t make efforts to stem the tide of climate change, fossil fuel use and gas emissions, science fiction books and movies may not be so far fetched when viewed through this cataclysmic lens.

One person can make a difference. See how by viewing documentaries on the topic, available through websites like EcoHearth. But never forget that every time you contribute to the Earth’s health by setting an example of how to stay fit through running, you send a message that you’re leaving a very small carbon footprint.

Want to celebrate Earth Day 2016 in style? All you need do is gather friends for a run on the 22nd to share your individual efforts for keeping our world properly tilted on its axis. And don't forget a picnic hamper filled with healthy treats. You may even want to picnic by your newly-planted tree!

What will you do to save Earth as a member of Singapore’s running community now that you’ve read these suggestions?

Want to contribute to saving the earth? Start by taking part in these green trail running races!

The Great Relay Singapore 2016

Adventure Trail Challenge NTU

MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 2016

Bedok Reservoir Ultramarathon 2016