Let's celebrate Earth Day!
Earth Day was created in April of 1970 to spread awareness and protect our environment. Before 1970 businesses could dump tons of toxic waste into a nearby stream, without any legal consequences and could not be taken to court to stop it. It’s hard to imagine a time where there was no EPA, no Clean Air Act, no Clean Water Act. This meant that there was no legal way to protect our environment. In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day and twenty million Americans protested across the U.S. to bring it to national attention. Later that year, Congress created a new federal agency to address environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Fast forward to 2023, as we celebrate the 53rd Earth Day on Saturday, April 22.
Below are 5 simple ways to support Earth Day this year!
1. Clean up plastic in your neighborhood or local park
Nothing to do on Saturday morning? Start your day off right by gathering with a group of friends or family and donate an hour of your time cleaning up trash in your neighborhood, at your local park, or at a beach. Celebrate with a breakfast picnic afterwards!
2. Read a book about protecting the environment
Visit your local bookstore or library and pick out a book to gain knowledge on how to help the earth. After all, knowledge is power! This can be great way to get children involved as well, as there are hundreds of children’s books that cover this topic.
Not a fan of reading? Look up a podcast that you can listen to on a drive or while cooking dinner.
3. Commit to making small lifestyle changes that benefit the planet
Small differences can help in the long run. Here are a few tips you can consider implementing this Earth Day.
1. Make energy-efficient home swaps, such as LED lightbulbs.
2. Choose seasonal produce at the grocery store.
3. Start composting in your backyard.
4. Incorporate “meatless Mondays”.
5. Invest in a reusable water bottle instead of plastic.
6. Switch to paperless billing.
4. Plant native pollinators
Pollinators, like bees and hummingbirds, play one of the biggest roles in supporting a healthy environment. How can you support these busy bees? Plant native pollinator-friendly grasses and plants that will help those small but mighty creatures thrive!
You can find a list of native pollinator plants by state or region, and then head to your local nursery or home and landscape store to gather seeds.
5. Go on a nature walk
One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is by embracing the natural beauty that surrounds you. That can be by walking at your local park, going on a hike, or simply take a neighborhood stroll. Breathing in the fresh air can make you appreciate what our earth offers us for free!
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