Happy Earth Day, friends! Are you doing anything special today? Will you spend some time outside enjoying this beautiful planet that we live on? Will you make any changes to protect Mother Nature?
In honor of Earth day I want to share with you some moments I have captured in the past week. As I’ve said again and again, We live in an amazing world! And beauty really IS everywhere. On this Earth Day and always, I hope you take time to BE outside and that you help spread the word about just how amazing our world is and how much impact each of us has.
Did you know Earth Day was the idea of a US Senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson? He says, “For several years, it had been troubling me that the state of our environment was simply a non-issue in the politics of the country…Suddenly, the idea occurred to me – why not organize a huge grassroots protest over what was happening to our environment? “After seeing the devastating effects of an oil spill off the coast of California in 1969, Gaylord helped the United States celebrate the first Earth Day in 1970. In 1990 the day was recognized and adapted worldwide.
Here are some cool facts about Earth Day, taken from Alabama.com:
- In 2009, Earth Day was officially renamed by the UN to International Mother Earth Day.
- On Earth Day 2012, more than 100,000 people rode bikes in China to reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel.
- Organizers hope to plant 7.8 billion trees during this year’s Earth Day activities.
- Earth Day has its own flag. It features a picture of the Earth taken from the Apollo 17 spacecraft on its way to the Moon.
And finally, here are 5 simple things YOU can do to make a difference:
1.Take your own bags to the grocery store. I bet, like me, you have seen plastic bags stuck in the top of trees along the road. Think of the difference we could make if EVERYONE brought their own bag to the store! In some countries, like India, Rwanda and New Zealand, stores don’t even provide plastic bags! Customers must provide their own, or juggle all of their purchases. Bringing your own bag is not hard, especially once you get in the habit. Just keep a handful of cloth bags in the back seat and remember to carry them into the grocery store. (Read more facts about plastic bags HERE.)
2.Recycle! It is amazing how much of today’s “stuff” can be recycled. Where I live we recycle plastic,glass,metal, cardboard,junk mail,newspaper, and much more. (Learn more HERE) Learn what materials are recyclable where you live.
3.Be conscious of packaging and choose wisely. When you are in the grocery store, choose products with minimal packaging. Yes, that melon, cantaloupe, orange, and pineapple might be easier already cut up, but buying it that way encourages unnecessary waste. Choose products with minimal waste.
4. Stop using Round-up and other harmful chemicals in your yard. These have a devastating impact on wildlife, including butterflies and bees.
5. Bring your own water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Like the reusable grocery bags, it is simply a habit to get into–once you do it a few times, it will be easy to remember. You can start today! (You can bring your own coffee mug too)
Here are 40 more things you can do! Or HERE are 10 SIMPLE things you can do to help the planet.
Have a wonderful day! What changes have you made to contribute? What things can you add to these lists? As always, I’d love to hear from you!