By Kathy Brown.
April 22, 2020 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans protested “environmental ignorance” and went out in the streets and on college campuses in cities across the country to fight for our planet. It started the modern environmental movement, bringing attention to smog, oil spills, polluted rivers, and more. The first Earth Day pressured the government to act, which led to the creation of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as well as passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
Because of COVID-19, many events are happening online/digitally. This year’s theme is “climate action,” according to earthday.org. There, you will find calls to action, performances, video “teach-ins”, global conversations, and more. They are going to try to “fill the digital landscape.”
How can you celebrate Earth Day in Haddam and Killingworth?
Take a walk, and bring a garbage bag. No matter how many times a week I bring a garbage bag on my walk down Route 154 in Haddam, there is always at least one beer can or nip to pick up, sadly. And some times, there are many, along with Dunkin’ Donuts cups, take out boxes, and paper bags filled with garbage.
Make an Earth Day window sign to heighten awareness.
If you don’t already compost, start. It’s easy! Put a jar, or old coffee can on your counter. Put in your veggie/fruit scraps (no meat). When it’s full, dump it in a pile in a designated spot in your yard. It will turn into beautiful soil for your garden. Or you can start slowly. Egg shells are great under tomato, pepper, and squash plants to deter slugs and cutworms. Coffee grounds are great under jade plants, blueberry bushes or philodendrons.
Take the “Pesticide Pledge” to stop using pesticides, which kill flying insects like bees, which are needed to pollinate flowers, plants, and fruit trees.
Watch Earth Day Live on earthday.org.
Calculate your carbon footprint. Here is one website where you can calculate it.
Switch to energy saving lightbulbs like compact LEDs.
Commit to eating more food from local sources. If you eat what is in season, the food travels less.
Switch to earth-friendly cleaning products.
Use a thermos/reusable water bottle instead of disposable plastic water bottles. Use glass containers instead of plastic for leftovers.
Use stainless steel straws or paper straws instead of plastic straws.
Plant a garden. See THIS article for more information about gardening and how it helps reduce your stress.
