Earth Overshoot Day 2022: what to know and how you can help

Check out these Earth Overshoot Day 2022 resources and tips

women gardening
(Image credit: Westend61/Getty Images)

Earth Overshoot Day 2022 is quickly approaching, and it's forcing us to think about our relationship with Mother Nature. 

We expect a lot from Her—too much, in fact. Small tasks like shopping the best sustainable fashion brands, working on upcycled garden ideas and recycling are great ways to start reducing our ecological footprint, but there is quite a bit of work to be done from society as a whole. 

We'll fill you in on Earth Overshoot Day, what it means and how you can make a difference. 

When is Earth Overshoot Day? 2022 info

Earth Overshoot Day falls on May 19, 2022. 

Various countries are assigned their personal overshoot days. The United Kingdom falls on May 19 and neighboring European countries follow close by throughout the month of May.

But things came earlier in the US with an Earth Overshoot Day of March 13. Australia followed 10 days later on March 23. Two countries, Qatar and Luxembourg, marked February 2022 Overshoot Days, the earliest on record for the year. 

In 2021, Earth Overshoot Day fell on July 29. 

What is Earth Overshoot Day?

According to the Earth Overshoot Day website, this is "the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year."

How is it calculated?

Per the website, Global Footprint Network is responsible for the calculations. It's "computed by dividing the planet’s biocapacity (the amount of ecological resources Earth is able to generate that year), by humanity’s Ecological Footprint (humanity’s demand for that year), and multiplying by 365.

  • (Earth’s Biocapacity / Humanity’s Ecological Footprint) x 365 = Earth Overshoot Day

Why is Earth Overshoot Day Getting earlier?

"With a rise in emissions and biodiversity loss happening at a high rate, this trend is set to continue and it's predicted that world natural resources could run out by 2040," says Suzie Gillespie, founder of Moo & Yoo. "Reducing our carbon footprint as individuals and as a business is without doubt the most significant thing we can do."

Echoing that sentiment is Anna Brightman, co-founder of UpCircle: "It’s clear that vast improvements need to be made across the globe if we’re to improve our ecological footprint. The world has finite resources, and at the minute we are depleting them at a scary rate."

How you can help

In order to #MoveTheDay and help Mother Nature, here are a few simple things you can consider to take a step towards a more sustainable future. 

1. Shop sustainable brands

For your convenience, we've rounded up the best sustainable fashion brands and the best sustainable jewelry brands to help you style with a purpose. 

According to Green Dreamer, these companies create products that are "designed, manufactured, distributed and used in ways that are environmentally friendly." 

Essentially, they're all about giving shoppers the best quality and in turn impacting the environment as little as possible.

2. Reduce one-time plastic usage

Since the majority of plastic is non-compostable and non-biodegradable, Get Green Now states that "every plastic item in existence will exist almost indefinitely on Earth."

Time to reconsider your utensils and culinary items. We don't think you'll mind shopping our picks for the best reusable water bottles

water bottle

(Image credit: Chilly's)

3. Opt for reusable menstrual products

Not only are reusable menstrual products beneficial for shoppers—they're cost-efficient, adaptable to all body sizes and durable—but they're better for the environment, too.

4. Consider dietary changes

If you're thinking about cutting back on your meat intake, have a look at our guide to vegan for beginners and peruse the list of vegan foods high in protein so you get all of the nutrients you need. 

Delicious summer vegan meal, cooking healthy green beans salad with grilled tofu, fresh colorful mix cherry tomatoes, thyme herbs and lemon zest served in rural cast iron skillet, wooden forks, top view

(Image credit: Getty)

5. Make changes at home

Reconsider your lightbulb choices, watch the thermostat and don't take hot showers that are too lengthy. (If you were wondering "Are cold showers good for you?" the pros make the case for a little chill!) There are small but impactful steps to make without leaving your abode.

6. Recycle

This goes without saying! Have a look at your community's recycling requirements and make your impact.

7. Upcycle

The upcycled meaning: taking something used—clothes, furniture, etc.—and using it to create another good of higher quality and/or value than the original piece. Have a go at the best upcycle ideas to try at home, from fashion to home decor!

International Open Academy

(Image credit: International Open Academy)

8. Support others

We interviewed women who do their best for the Earth everyday

Lauren Bravo wrote a book on how to quit fast fashion after learning the negative environmental impacts of the industry whereas Mareya Ibrahim promotes ways in which to prolong food life and reduce food waste. 

Check out what these women are up to and how you can stand beside their initiatives. 

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again. 

Latest in Current Affairs
Who won Depp v. Heard? Pictured: Actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard arrive at the premiere of Focus Features' 'The Danish Girl' at Westwood Village Theatre on November 21, 2015 in Westwood, California
Who won Depp v. Heard? Inside the chaotic court battle at the center of Netflix's latest docuseries
Angus Cloud attends Variety's 2022 Power of Young Hollywood celebration presented by Facebook Gaming on August 11, 2022 in Hollywood, California
Actor from 'Euphoria,' Angus Cloud, passes away at 25: 'Angus was special to all of us in so many ways'
Has the Gilgo Beach serial killer been caught? Pictured: A sign pointing towards Gilgo Beach on Long Island
Has the Gilgo Beach serial killer been caught? Here's why interest in the decade-old true crime has resurfaced
Is the IBLP still active? Pictured: IBLP devotees Michelle Duggar and Jim Bob Duggar
Is the IBLP still active today? Here's what's going on with the controversial ministry from 'Shiny Happy People'
Where is Bill Gothard, the cult leader at the center of Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, now?
Where is Bill Gothard today? What to know about the IBLP leader after watching 'Shiny Happy People'
When was Shiny Happy People filmed? Pictured: Jill Duggar in Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets
When was 'Shiny Happy People' filmed? A look at the Duggar family controversies
Latest in Features
Emma Chamberlain attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California/ in a pink watercolor template
Emma Chamberlain just debuted the ultimate sexy chic updo—and the wispy look is perfect for fall
The ILIA Multi Stick pictured in a pink, textured template
I am blush *obsessed* and this easy multi-use pick always gets me compliments
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre in a pink and cream gradient template
These fresh and floral perfumes smell *just* like Chanel's Chance Eau Tendre—but for under $30
Three SKIMS dresses (in blue, black and grey) pictured in a purple three-picture template
TikTok has found the perfect $30 replica of the viral SKIMS maxi dress—and yes, it's *just* as flattering
The cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 5
How to watch 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' season 5 from anywhere in the world
How to watch Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Win
How to watch 'Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins' as reality stars get down and dirty