Earth Day!

Former President George W. Bush (1946-2018) once said, “Good stewardship of the environment is not just a personal responsibility, it is a public value…. Our duty is to use the land well, sometimes not to use it at all.  This is our responsibility as citizens, but more than that, it is our calling as stewards of the earth.”

We are exactly that—stewards over the earth.  We are here to enjoy this God-given land but also to take care of it –especially for all those who are living now and those who will supersede us.

  Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd.  Worldwide, various exciting events are held to demonstrate support for the environmental protection of our planet earth.  We need to preserve, take care and continually strive to guard our “home.”

Earth Day was first commemorated in 1970 when 22 million Americans celebrated clean air, land and water.  The celebrations have now stretched to more than 193 countries—which are all interconnected through the Earth Day Network.

You can celebrate Earth Day—EVERYDAY! 

Here are some ideas as to how you can become “Greener” and help our environment—starting today!

 From the website www.epa.gov (The United States Environmental Protection Agency) we learn that, “The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.”

Here are some benefits of Reducing, Reusing and Recycling:

• Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials
• Saves energy
• Saves money
• Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators

Schools are also a top priority when it comes to helping our earth. Again, ln the www.epa.gov  website we read about the Health Schools Grant Program.  This program is a  “…comprehensive environmental health grant program with the goal of identifying and addressing environmental health risks in and around schools that contribute to increased absenteeism and reduced academic performance.”

Furthermore, The Healthy Schools Grant Program would, “…provide a total of $50 million for schools to identify, prevent, reduce and resolve environmental hazards such as: *reducing childhood lead exposure, * reducing asthma triggers,  and  *promoting integrated pest management…”

Did you know that many of our daily activities such as driving a car, using electricity, and disposing of waste cause what is called, “Greenhouse Gas Emissions” and together these emissions make up a household carbon footprint?  Each of us has a different carbon footprint—depending on where we live, our lifestyle choices and habits. 

Now, here are a few more ideas to inspire you to celebrate Earth Day from The Old Farmer’s Almanac (founded in 1792).

• Plant wildflowers
• Go Native and plant flowers native to the area in which you live
• Invite native bees into your garden. In case you didn’t know these are bees that pollinate your plants for more flowers and food.
• Conserve water—turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, make sure you have a full load of clothes or dishes before starting the washing/dishwasher
• Clean up your community by organizing a group to pick up litter in the local park or roadway
• Plant a tree!
• Go for a hike and enjoy nature around you
• Walk or bike to work
• Eat the food from your own garden
• Plant a garden!
• Use ladybugs in your garden instead of pesticides
• Make a compost area in your yard
• Donate your old clothes and home goods instead of throwing them out
• Shop at thrift store for second hand items
• Read documents online instead of printing them
• Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it
• Change your car’s air filter regularly

The ideas are limitless!  There is so much YOU can do to protect and help our earth!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”—Margaret Mead