Earth Day

Thursday, April 22 is Earth Day. The modern environmental movement began in 1970, giving the public a voice about the state of the planet. Americans had been using large amounts of leaded gas through inefficient vehicles and industry workers pumped out smoke and sludge with no worries about consequences from the law and media. Pollution in the air was accepted and even thought of as the smell of prosperity. 

Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator, had been concerned about the condition of the environment in America. He approached national media with the idea of a teach-in at colleges to bring about more of a consciousness of air and water pollution. The day chosen to organize these teach-ins was April 22, now known as Earth Day. 

By the early 1990s, Earth Day grew to be a global trend with more than 200 million people in 141 countries bringing environmental issues to the world’s stage. 

With yet another unusual year of being in the midst of a pandemic and trying to stay home to avoid large gatherings, you may be looking for creative ways to celebrate Earth Day. Here are a few ways you can practice it at home: 

Support Pollinators

Bring bees and other pollinating creatures into your garden to help the natural growth of plants. Blueberry bushes, lavender, lilac, pansy, sage and zinnia are a few common plants that attract pollinators. 

Clean up around Your Neighborhood

What better way to connect with the earth than to keep it clean? Take a walk through the neighborhood with a trash bag or two and clean up any plastic or debris that you see. Ask a few neighbors to join you as well. 

Plant a Tree

Trees capture carbon, cool overheated areas, support pollinators and boost local economies. See if there is a public area that you’re able to plant a large tree that would help the environment or plant one in your own yard. 

Recycle

If you don’t have a recycling system in your home, Earth Day is a good time to start one. Set aside a garbage can solely for aluminum and one for plastic. Find a local recycling center that you can transport these items to and reduce the piles of garbage both on land and in the water. 

A few small steps can make a huge difference. Spend Earth Day this year being more mindful of your personal impact on the environment and take care of the beautiful home we have.