I am committed to strengthening my own connections to the natural world around me and to encouraging others to do the same. I do this for two reasons: 1) it simply makes me happier to appreciate nature more and 2) I don’t believe we’ll work to preserve something we don’t care about, so it’s important to cultivate our caring about nature and its preservation. Earth Day is a great place to start!
Stewardship for our Mother Earth needs to be a daily mindset leading to appropriate actions and habits, but it’s always helpful and fun to have a special day each year to be reminded, once again, how critical it is to do our part to ensure a sustainable future for this planet.
Why do we celebrate Earth Day?
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 as 20 million people gathered throughout America in a peaceful call for environmental reform. It remains a worldwide demonstration of support for environmental protection. Today it is celebrated in hundreds of countries, and the festivities and events often take up an entire Earth Week. In 2009, Earth Day was renamed officially by the United Nations as International Mother Earth Day.
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is always on April 22.
How can I participate in an Earth Day event?
Check with your local environmental groups to see whether they have plans for Earth Day. You can also do a Google search for “Earth + Day+ your town or city” to find local events. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a link to events and family activities. Also check out their main Earth Day page.
Have fun with Earth Day!
Take a few minutes to explore the fun Pinterest Boards that have an Earth Day theme. There are some terrific things to do with children in the way of crafts, recipes, and activities.
Pick one green thing you’re going to start doing
I’ve recently committed to reaching for my hand towel more often than my paper towels. (And do you know the great “Shake and fold” trick for saving paper towels?) I’ve also started buying fewer single-serve foods and trying to make my own using leftovers that are freezable. What can you do differently to make your living a bit greener? You might want to explore the books below for more ideas.
Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.
~Jane Goodall
For over a year, I have been recycling as much as I can (I know I’m late, but better late than never). I’m worried about the earth we are leaving for our children and grandchildren. It helps that I work at a recycling center! I am careful about water, electricity, and heat consumption, always. I try to keep my home area clean and picked up – I wish others would do the same. I can’t wait to be able to plant some flowers and maybe a few small bushes.
Thanks for sharing this, Karen, because it is a great reminder how important those little things can be. If we all did just a little more than we’re doing now, it would add up! I love your idea of planting some flowers and shrubs. Not only is this ecologically great for the soil and the air, but it adds a spot of natural beauty in your world as a regular reminder of how amazing Mother Nature is.