Earth Day is officially April 22nd - Friday, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere (also Friday for those in the Southern Hemisphere, but you know….fall.)
I thought I would kick the week off with a few places to go to check into what’s happening.
First of all - the official Earth Day website: earthday.org. They list some events around the world, some ideas and you can also find all the history. Originally started in 1970 (1970!), Earth Day is now considered the largest secular observance in the world. That’s pretty impressive and gives me more than a little hope for even more innovative and committed change coming.
Here are a few suggestions for how to celebrate Earth Day from the Natural Resources Defense Council, and a few more from EarthWatch.org. I love the suggestion in the latter list to join iNaturalist. I have absolutely learned from and connected with other naturalist-types on that platform.
This is a fun (and short) event from The Nature Conservancy:
It’s called ‘Let’s Planet Together’. From the website: “5-6 PM EDT | Find your inspiration for action! Hear from speakers living every day like Earth Day: people tracking moose migrations, restoring corals, conserving the Amazon and even brewing sustainable beer! Plus special guests and performances!”
I’m definitely registering for this fun event, because I just realized I need to know more about moose migration.
And check out what the US Department of Energy is doing on Earth Day - virtual tours of the National Labs, an ‘American Made’ showcase, and you can play Earth Day Bingo too (is it me, or is the DOE more fun than it used to be?!)
Here at Earth’s Next Chapter, we’ll have an Earth-week theme and we’ll highlight great organizations, amazing science, impressive action, and more too!
Meanwhile, I want to encourage you to plant one thing this week.
It might be a little tree, a tomato plant in a pot for your patio, some wildflower seeds, an herb….really anything. Just put your hands in the dirt for a few minutes and start something that grows this summer. For me, this little action really is a symbol of hope, an act of humanity, and a direct connection to the planet we live on.
Tell me what you plant! (comments open to everyone)
“What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on.”
—Henry David Thoreau