To honor the earth and reflect on the beauty of nature
We have an international day to appreciate our planet. Earth Day, first held on April 22, 1970, was established to “demonstrate our support for environmental protection, to honor the earth, and reflect on the beauty of nature.” We all have the ability to heal our planet.
I recall the first Earth day celebration in 1970. I was finishing my senior year in college and attended the celebration in midtown Manhattan. The mayor, John Lindsay, decided to shut down 5th Avenue and encouraged the entire city to support the event. These were tense and heated times, and an event like this captured the passions of so many idealistic young adults, like me.
The big day was a curious mix of rallies against the Vietnam War (the Kent State shooting would take place just two weeks later). There were marches to better respect the environment. The anti war protestors riding atop a rainbow VW bus. The signs against big oil and pollution. And the crowds and more crowds promoting more respect for our planet. Very colorful and inspiring.
A Little Wiser about Making a Positive Impact
This year, on April 22, 2021, we celebrate this important event once again. Fifty-one years later, the planet is still revolving around the sun, and the population is now wiser about how we can make a global impact. We can all do more to take care of our mind and body, and focus on living longer, And there are many things we can do to help heal the planet. Just as we can make respectful and compassionate decisions about our own well-being and the well-being of others, we have the same parallels to celebrate the earth’s ability to heal itself.
What Can We Do?
Here are 10 Earth Day activities help heal our planet, courtesy of the Old Farmer’s Almanac:
- support our pollinators – bring native bees and other pollinating creatures to our garden with the right plants;
- clean up plastic in our neighborhood and local parks, and be sure to recycle what we collect;
- use kitchen and household products that are recycled, chemical-free and compostable, now referred to as If you Care products;
- plant a tree on your own property or check with a local government about planting in public spaces;
- use wildflowers and native plants in gardens when ever possible;
- If you are a gardener, recycle and reuse plastic pots and trays;
- When planting, focus less on the plant and more on the soil that supports the plant with nutrient-rich organic matter and soil amendments, and fewer chemicals;
- Conserve water using drip irrigation systems in the garden, and harvest rainwater;
- Watch the amount of food that goes to waste after purchasing it, and take this quiz to learn about your own foodprint;
- Pass down a love of nature and plants to younger generations.
The earth has the ability to heal itself with our help, just as we have the ability to heal ourselves. It Is never too late. And mindset is everything.
Dr. Joe Casciani is the owner and Chief Curator for the Living to 100 Club, where we are building a community dedicated to living our best lives and offering inspiration and resources about staying positive and making it over the hurdles.