In both elementary and middle school, celebrating Earth Day was always a big deal. Earth Day was the one day where we could really dedicate all of our time and energy into repaying back Mother Earth. In elementary school, we would have a parade. One class would spend weeks creating this huge paper mache Mother Earth head. When they were finished, she would be placed on a stick with a beautiful cloth dress, and that class would lead the entire parade. We would plant sunflower seeds and other plants to make our school even more beautiful. We sang songs like "In the Garden," and "How Does Your Garden Grow?" In middle school, things became more serious. We would write short essays and poems about Earth, and create art projects to beautify our hallways while providing educational insight on how to "be green." I remember field tripping to places where we would plant trees to encourage regrowth. But most importantly, at every age, we discussed how important it was to protect our planet.
As I'm technically considered an adult now (no idea how that happened), I've noticed that Earth Day isn't as exciting as I found it to be as a child. Some people might just post "Happy Earth Day!" on their social media, or there will be a brief announcement at a high school, college or workplace. I think that it isn't as "hyped" anymore because we aren't little kids that can just sing our problems away. I think it's also because now everyone is much more aware of what is happening to this planet and why we need to protect it. Instead of just spending one day to promote the well-being of Earth, we as adults are doing it daily.
While this is absolutely amazing and I love that almost everyone is celebrating the importance of the planet on a daily basis, I think it's still a little bit sad that we don't necessarily get to celebrate Earth Day in its beautiful entirety like we used to as kids. With hopes that I can inspire some fellow Earth-loving individuals like myself, here are some fantastic things you can do this Earth Day to show your love for Mother Earth.
1. Take a hike!
While this might sound silly, and honestly, a little rude (sorry), walking around in nature might remind you of its splendor. This hike could also provide you with more inspiration about all things earthy in your life.
2. Plant a tree!
This is another one of the most basic Earth Day celebratory acts, but it's one that can really go a long way. Contact members of your local community about where you can plant a tree if you don't have any land yourself!
3. Volunteer!
Volunteering with a local environmental group will really remind you of why we are working on living sustainably. All of your hard work with this group will absolutely pay off, too. You will be able to meet fellow Earth lovers, and you will really be doing something to help the environment.
4. Donate to charity!
The manufacturing of goods like clothing, old kitchenware, and furniture is a huge greenhouse gas contributor, and it requires a plethora of energy to produce the daily items we need. When your house starts overflowing with goodies, or you just decided to treat yourself with some new things, try donating the things you don't wear or use to charity. This will help reduce the use of energy to manufacture our necessities, the waste the manufacturing produces, and it will help those in need.
5. Get involved with a community garden!
Community gardens are great ways to green up your city or town. Digging around in dirt and planting things that you will be able to use one day will really remind you of how much we depend on our planet. Bonus: You will be able to meet people who also love gardening and the Earth!
6. Go vegan or vegetarian for a day!
Now don't get me wrong, I am a meat lover. But sometimes I think it's nice to focus on vegetables and grains and such for just a day here and there. Not only will this re-align your body with some possibly neglected food groups, but it will cut down on the production of greenhouse gases it takes to raise cattle and other farm animals.
