Climate change. The Green New Deal. Global warming. Earth Day has taken on unprecedented significance as the third decade of the 21st century approaches.
The very first earth day, Aprill 22, 1970, was started when Senator Gaylord Nelson and an activist John McConnell separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration. McConnell chose the spring equinox (March 21, 1970) and Nelson chose April 22, 1970. This brought about a focus on engaging us to raise awareness about our role in protecting our world. Then, as now, Earth Day calls attention to current environmental crises. The worldwide movement helped inspire groundbreaking laws including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
Today, Earth Day has grown into a global day of action, with nearly 200 countries taking part in cleaning up litter, planting trees, or simply reflecting on nature.
Celebrate Earth Day by appreciating and respecting the natural world.
Here are some ideas provided by The old farmers Almanac at: https://www.almanac.com/content/earth-day-date-activities-history to inspire you!
* Plant wildflowers! Read our article on whih native wildflowers to plant. Also, see our video demonstrating how to grow wildflowers!
*Go native! Plants thrive best when they’re natural to your area. See our article on native plant landscaping and 10 tips for an eco-friendly garden.
*Bring nature into the garden with plants that attract butterflies and plants that attract hummingbirds!
*Invite native bees to your garden. These are the bees that pollinate your plants for more flowers and food! Perhaps add a native bee house to your backyard.
*Start an organic vegetable garden. Here are tips on organic seed-starting, and our Beginner’s Guide to Vegetable Gardening to get you started.
*Conserve water! See our tips for watering wisely in the garden and tips on how to create your own rain garden.
*Also, avoid over-watering. Know how much your garden really needs with our watering chart! Watch our video demonstrating 10 smart watering tips for a healthy garden garden.
*Clean up your community by organizing a group to pick up litter in a local park or roadway.
*Talk to your local government about planting more trees and native garden beds in public spaces, or consider planting your own on your property! See advice on how to plant a tree as well a our video demonstrating how to plant a fruit tree.
*Cut back on plastic consumption! I know in our town we can recycle plastics “1” and “2.” See a Plastics Recycling Chart.
*Plus, consider how to reduce dependency on bottled water and drinks. Know what’s in all those bottled drinks!
*Recycle in the garden! See our videos on how to reuse plant pots and containers and other items you can recycle and reuse in the garden.
*And here’s how to reuse in the kitchen and reuse in the home and re-purpose everyday household items!
Here is an important video from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Administrator Andrew Wheeler: