COLUMN: Celebrate 50 years of Earth Day

     Did you know the first official “Earth Day” was in 1970? Since that day, 50 years ago, Earth Day has been a call for action to protect our planet’s land, water, air, and wildlife.

     During the month of April, and especially on Earth Day, local communities, schools, businesses, organizations, families, and individuals around the world take part in their own way by doing something beneficial for the health of our planet.

     Earth Day, which this year is Wednesday, April 22, is a reminder of what we all need to do every day!

     This year finds many of us very close to our homes, with our family, practicing good social distancing to avoid unwanted exposure to COVID-19. Many Earth Day events and activities around the world have gone virtual, but you can still do many things near or at home, or in your own neighborhood that can make a huge difference for all.

     A few simple things each of us can do that will make a difference include not littering and picking up litter wherever we find it. I hope many of us can get out on Earth Day to pick up litter in our yards or neighborhoods. (Don’t forget to wear protective gloves or use a litter pick up stick.) Share your selfies to inspire others to take action on Earth Day.

     A great family activity you can do this spring is plant a native tree, shrub, or flower. Our butterflies, birds, insect pollinators, and wildlife will all thank you. This simple activity will bring joy and aesthetic beauty for you, your neighbors, and visitors to your community. Green spaces have even been shown to help with healing and mental health.

     If you are trying to teach your children important lessons planting and caring for a small vegetable garden offers many wonderful lifelong learning opportunities. Learn about the lifecycles of plants and animals as you plant and watch your garden grow. Learn about the interactions of living creatures in your small garden ecosystem as you incorporate chemistry, math, reading, and science into your gardening fun. Check out this wonderful website for learning activities https://kidsgardening.org/lesson-plans/.

     Other easy family projects could include building a birdhouse, bat roosting structure, or bird feeder. Create a birdbath area, rain garden, or water feature in your yard. Research and add a rain barrel or container in your yard or near your deck to collect water for your potted plants or garden.

     Learn how to participate in citizen science projects like Journey North, Journey South, National Phenology Network, Project Budburst, North American Amphibian Monitoring, Project FeederWatch, Nest Watch, and Bumble Bee Watch to name a few. For more ideas on fun citizen science projects visit the PBS website.

     In your home add low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucet adaptors. Unplug unnecessary or unused electronics, and turn off water when you brush your teeth. Replace old lightbulbs with energy efficient halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

     When heading out, try riding your bike or walking to the store and, when it’s safe to do so again, use reusable bags when you go shopping. As you can imagine, these simple activities are just the tip of the iceberg and can all make a huge difference!