Earth Day - Environmental Fun
If it’s April 22nd, Happy Earth Day! As you know, Earth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide on this day each year to promote environmental awareness and protection, two things we are committed to in the Artesian Nature Coalition. The day marks the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970, which was a significant turning point for the protection of the planet. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in safeguarding our planet, and even tiny changes in our daily lives can make a big, big difference. In this post, we’ll learn about the Wisconsin origins of Earth Day and provide some wonderful activities you can do to celebrate.
The Origin of Earth Day
Earth Day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator from Wisconsin, in response to a massive oil spill that occurred off the coast of Santa Barbara, California in 1969. The oil spill was the largest ever at that time (we’ve had two that were worse since then). It was a wake-up call for many people, included your grandfather and me. We were in high school at the time and remember the widespread public concern about the environment that this disaster sparked. Senator Nelson recognized the need to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote environmental protection. He proposed a national teach-in on the environment, which eventually led to the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. We celebrated it enthusiastically, believing our generation could stop all the abuses to our planet once and for all.
The first Earth Day was a massive success, with an estimated 20 million people participating across the United States. It was the largest civic demonstration in history and led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the passage of landmark environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
Today, Earth Day is celebrated by over a billion people in 192 countries worldwide. It is a day to reflect on our impact on the planet and take action to reduce our environmental footprint.
We are so proud of Gaylord Nelson. What a tremendous legacy he left our world. You never know what thing you might do that changes things. We should all work to have the courage to do what’s right. In honor of Gaylord Nelson and the match he lit to start this fire to save the earth, why not celebrate Earth Day by doing some of these environmental activities. If you are more into art or craft projects, check out this post too: Earth Day - Art Fun.
Twenty Environmental Activities to Celebrate Earth Day
Plant a tree: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air and release oxygen, making them essential for a healthy planet. Planting a tree is a great way to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to a greener future. Uncle Dan J. knows a lot about tree planting and could probably answer any questions you have.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: One of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental footprint is to follow the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on waste by using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers. Recycle paper, plastic, and other materials instead of throwing them away. Check out the Earth Day - Art Fun post to learn how to make paper out of recycled materials.
Clean up litter: Litter not only looks unsightly but can also harm wildlife and pollute our waterways. Organize an Artesian cleanup or go for a walk and pick up litter along the highway that abuts the north side of your preserve.
Go meatless for a day: The meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Try going meatless for a day or two each week to reduce your carbon footprint. Ask Ada for a good way to start on this journey. She has been on it for years and could share some recipe ideas.
Turn off lights and electronics: Save energy and reduce your electricity bill by turning off lights and electronics when you're not using them. (Haha. Are you ever not using your electronics)? Uncle Dan K. knows a lot about reducing energy costs. You might want to ask him about windmills like the little one by the pond at the bottom of the hill.
Start a compost bin: Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Start a compost bin in your backyard (Some people use a worm bin to compost indoors but I think Maggie and Mollie would think that’s too gross to have in the house. You’d have to secretly have a worm bin in your bedroom).
Use eco-friendly cleaning products: Many household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and our health. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
Take shorter showers: Water is a precious resource, and many people use more water than they need to when taking a shower. Try taking shorter showers to conserve water and reduce your water bill.
Plant a vegetable garden: Growing your own vegetables is a fun and rewarding way to reduce your environmental footprint. It reduces the need for transportation and packaging, and you know exactly where your food comes from. This might be difficult with all the critters who want to eat your plants, so be sure to use fencing or high containers).
Learn about environmental issues: Earth Day is an excellent opportunity to learn more about environmental issues and how you can make a difference. Watch documentaries, read articles, or attend virtual events.
Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs: Energy-efficient light bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer, reducing waste.
Reduce water waste: Fix leaky faucets, install low-flow shower heads, and use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering plants.
Go paperless: Reduce paper waste by switching to digital documents, emails, and online bill payments.
Reduce plastic use: Switch to reusable containers and bags instead of single-use plastic products.
Use public transportation, bike, or walk: Reduce your carbon footprint by using alternative modes of transportation.
Support local farmers: Buy locally grown produce to reduce transportation emissions and support local agriculture.
Join a community garden: Join a community garden to grow your own food and connect with other environmentally conscious individuals.
Participate in a virtual Earth Day event: Many organizations offer virtual events like webinars, concerts, and environmental challenges.
Donate to environmental organizations: Support environmental organizations working to protect the planet by making a donation. This is a good time because on Earth Day, there are donors who will match the gift you give. Here are some good organizations:
The Nature Conservancy Green Peace Union of Concerned Scientists Sierra Club
Spread awareness: Share your Earth Day activities on social media and encourage your friends to take action to protect the environment.
Earth Day is an important annual event that serves as a reminder to take action to protect the environment. It has since grown to become a global celebration of environmental awareness and protection. By participating in Earth Day activities like planting a tree, reducing waste, and supporting local farmers, we can all make a positive impact on the planet. It's up to each of us to take responsibility for our actions and strive to live in a way that supports a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come. Let's use Earth Day as a catalyst for change and work together to protect our planet, especially the land and waters and plants and creatures who share the little part of Earth your share with them.
