Celebrate Earth Day

Earth day should be celebrated more than one day a year. Our planet needs the care and cleanliness so future generations can enjoy it without fear of losing it. Here are some ideas of activities to do to celebrate Earth Day or all year round but, first let discuss what Earth Day is.

What is Earth Day?

The First Earth Day was on April 22, 1970. Activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration. As surprising 20 million Americans – 10% of the population – joined outdoors to protest together.

Today, Earth Day is a reminder to raise awareness of environmental problems, to clean up litter and plant new trees for our beloved planet.

Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

1. Go out and Enjoy Nature – Take a walk through your neighborhood or plan a picnic.
2. Get involved in your local environmental organizations and local forest preserves – Discuss with your local forest preserve or park about volunteering.
3. Pick up litter around town – Talk a walk, bring a garbage bag and pick up litter you see around your neighborhood.
4. Plant a garden or a tree – Check with your local parks and recreation about planting a tree or plant a garden in your backyard.
5. Practice Leave No Trace – Look up Leave No Trace and practice everyday.
6. Be Car-Free – Instead of driving, why not walk or ride a bike!
7. Practice Recycling everyday – The more you practice recycling the better off the planet will be.
8. Conserve Water – Avoid using a lot of water. Shut off your water while brushing your teeth, make sure you don’t over water your plants, and take shorter showers.
9. Get Kids involved – Have fun creating activities with the kids, like planting flowers or build a bird feeder.
10. Reuse items – This could be a fun activity with children. Take your household items you would normally throw away, like bottle caps or milk cartons. Reuse these items to make magnets or bird feeders.

As Earth Day draws to a close, don’t forget that the Earth needs you to care more than one day a year. Practice these ideas all year round and let us know what you did for Earth Day!