Today, Wednesday, April 22 marks the 50th celebration of Earth Day. So happy Earth Day everyone! Established in 1970, Earth Day began as a way to raise awareness about pollution and other environmental issues and to serve as a catalyst to inspire people to modify their behaviors and to provoke policy change. It is now the largest secular holiday on the planet.
I think the great thing about Earth Day is that there are so many ways that you can participate. This year, it would be really easy to make a point of not driving today. You could plant a tree (or just tend to your garden). Maybe you’ve gotten lazy about recycling, today is a great day to recommit to it. Maybe make a point of using less electricity today by keeping the TV turned off. Or set a timer for the shower so that you use less water (no, I don’t really like this suggestion either, but thought I should throw it out there anyway).
There are loads of small actions that you can take or commit to. Maybe pick one of those things that has been niggling around in the back of your mind and look into it a little more seriously. Mr. Man and I have been talking about switching to reusable silicon food storage bags (this is a big deal, I love a Ziploc bag). I’ve also been wanting to start composting; I’m thinking my first step for that is just remembering to put the coffee grounds aside every day for the garden.
Earth Day rhymes with birthday (not a coincidence, some savvy marketing guy did that on purpose). The date coincides with birthday of John Muir the naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the US. It was also identified as a good time to maximize engagement on college campuses being in that sort-of quietish time between spring break and final exams.
If you’re a fan of astrology like I am, you’ll note that the date also coincides with the beginning of Taurus season. Taurus is an earth sign and Taurus season is all about being thankful for and connecting to the planet. That’s kind-of a cute parallel. The Moon Omens website has this nice article about Taurus season and Taurus energy if you are interested in reading more about it.
You can also go to the official Earth Day website if you are interested in finding a whole slate of live, virtual Earth Day activities. There is also a list of 24 different actions that you can take for the earth. Many of the actions are signing a pledge for this or that (to vote, to use less plastic, those sorts of things) but the one I thought sounded nice was to create some Earth Day or nature-themed art (wine cork fairy house = recycling).
However you choose to celebrate, I hope that you will do something nice for the planet and have a happy Earth Day today.
I love earth day!! I’ll take my tortoise for walk and we’ll appreciate all the flowers in bloom. In the neighborhood ♀️
Love it!
Making reusable beeswax wraps and bags today since my county has taken the privilege of recycling away for the foreseeable future.
I am very excited to hear how those work for you! Please send photos.
I am a Taurus, and I love when the sun moves into the sign of Taurus. Today is Earth Day, and the season of my birthday there is so much to be celebrated. My heart is singing, the flowers are beginning to show-off their brilliant colors, there is so much to celebrate Earth today, and every day! Thank you, Cynthia, for my invitation to join Earth Day’s big party!
It wouldn’t be a party without you Lola!
This was such a nice earth day read. Thank you for this!
You are so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Teddy is going to put some water out for the animals that have been patrolling our backyard. Earth Day might be one of his favorite holidays because he “loves the planet and all the plants and animals”.
Way to go Teddy!
Today is a perfect Earth Day in the Bay Area. Nice to be able to celebrate at home.
I remember the first one…..we rolled a 30ft ball painted like the earth around a park to attract the press. It worked! We were trying to figure out HOW to recycle and reduce “greenhouse emissions “. What’s that? We used to have stage 2 smog alerts which meant stay inside, move around as little as possible and don’t drive. Stage 3 would shut down all commercial businesses and transportation (Sounds familiar.) The last stage 2 was 1988. Think about it!
Thanks Earthday!!
Earth Day has been a huge success in the USA and western countries. Wish Asia would join the movement!