Every Day is Earth Day
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. The theme for both Earth Day and Earth Month 2023, “Invest in Our Planet,” is essentially an investment in our youth. I think it’s a worthwhile investment, don’t you? If we work together, we can preserve our environment for our families and their children. Are you doing your part to protect Mother Earth? Not just on Earth Day, but every day? Need a little refresher on how this all came about and how you can make a difference?
Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson proclaimed the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, with an idea to educate people about the climate crisis. What began as a teachable moment, exploded into a movement, as millions marched, rallied and organized cleanups around the country. Senator Nelson died in 2005, but his legacy lives on through the impact of Earth Day, which is now celebrated around the world. The annual tradition of honoring Earth Day with educational programs is important, but even more critical is to spread the message that every day is Earth Day.
It is our responsibility to protect the planet we all share, because there is no planet B.
It’s easier than you think to make a difference in your carbon footprint on this earth.
Here are 12 simple things you can do to help protect our planet for future generations:
Plant a tree-Trees provide food and oxygen, help save energy, clean the air and fight climate change.
Recycle-Follow the three “R’s” reduce, reuse and recycle.
Volunteer-Pick up litter on your own, or organize a community wide clean-up.
Use a reusable water bottle-Save money, energy and the environment.
Conserve water-Less runoff means less wastewater in the ocean.
Shop wisely-Buy local, choose glass or paper packaged grocery items and sustainable fashion.
Grow your own garden-No room in your yard? Try a community garden with wildflowers and native plants.
Eat more plants-Fight climate change with diet change. Eat less meats, more plant based foods.
Compost-Eliminate food waste to combat climate change.
Go pesticide free-Protect endangered species and ensure healthy sustainable ecosystems.
Bike more, drive less-Reduce air pollution, less nonrenewable fuels burned and improve your health.
Get outside-The more your explore and appreciate nature, the more passionate you become about protecting our planet.
Every Day is Earth Day
Get involved by following the Earth Day movement year round.
Plant a tree for free through the Canopy Project or the Arbor Day Foundation.
Explore more of Rona Neri’s wildlife photography to get inspired to protect the planet
Recommending Reading
Award winning scientist and author Hope Jahren’s book, The Story of More, does an excellent job of explaining the climate crisis, while inspiring us all to take action-check out the young adult version by the same title. Learn more about Jahren’s early years as a budding scientist in her debut memoir, Lab Girl, which became a bestseller. All three books are available through Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The Minnesota native now lives in Norway, where she focuses on environmental research in the biochemistry lab at the University of Oslo. Follow her on social media or on her blog to keep up on her latest discoveries under “realhopejahren.”
Kids will to be motivated to protect the planet when they read Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet, by April Sayre, which won the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature.
A young girl inspires readers to do their part in her book, Olivia’s Birds Saving the Gulf. Olivia Bouler was devastated by the gulf coast oil spill and assembled her own bird paintings to raise money to help. Her idea took flight when she added words to her art in this eco-friendly book, which raised over $200,000 and earned her numerous awards.
Gardeners of all ages will be enchanted by Gracie’s Garden, where little by little, good things grow. A lesson of patience from author Lara Casey, is filled with whimsical illustrations and a sweet story that will entertain the whole family.