Today is the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Every year we celebrate our planet by getting out and enjoying nature, maybe picking up some litter, planting some flowers, doing things that are good for our earth. Of course with Covid in mind many activities this year will either happen at home or virtually. There are quite a few events today such as environmental lectures and films, click here for a listing of events.

Earth Day began back on April 22, 1970. It was in San Francisco where two gentlemen activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson initiated a grass roots demonstration as during that time they were experiencing issues with toxic drinking water, air pollution and pesticides. What was interesting about this is about 20 million Americans went outdoors and protested together. About 10% of our population in America immediately recognized the need for protecting our planet.

Our awareness of our planet also prompted President Richard Nixon to push for an Environmental Protection Agency which was created along with the Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. The spirit of Earth Day has inspired communities to join together and plant trees, clean up litter, and urge the members of their community to get out and enjoy nature.

Here are ten things you can do to celebrate Earth Day from the Old Farmers Almanac:

1 Support our Pollinators - Select plants for your garden that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, or make a bee friendly garden.

2 Clean Up Plastic In Your Own Neighborhood or Park

3 Swap out your Kitchen and Household products. Use biodegradable items, no chemicals or plastic.

4 Plant A Tree They are carbon catchers and have many more benefits for the planet

5 Use Wildflowers and Native Plants they are not only beautiful but also attract native and beneficial insects

6 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in the Garden. Reuse pots and containers and repurpose common household items in your garden

7 Stop Pesticides and Chemicals in the Garden. It’s more about focusing less on your plants and more on your soil that supports your plants.

8 Conserve Water Always water vegetables and plants from the soil level, watering them from above can cause fungal disease.

9 Think About Your Diet. Unfortunately about a third of food produced each year is wasted.

10 Get Kids Involved. Garden with your kids and pass down the tradition.

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We only have one planet earth, and it appears we are slowly becoming more aware of how we can help our planet. Global Warming is being addressed and bold and aggressive planning is going on in America and around the world in an effort to fight Global Warming. On this Earth Day, get your hands in some dirt and make something grow. There is nothing else like it.

 

 

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