Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and Earth Week extends through Friday, April 24. Even with the stay-at-home orders in place, there are a number of ways you can celebrate the holiday and make the world a little greener, this week, and beyond.
Deb Oliver, spokeswoman for the county’s Department of Public Works, said some ideas include enjoying nature, planting a tree, picking up trash, recycling, or any other activity that shows respect for the earth, such as:
- changing to LED lightbulbs in homes and looking for ways to conserve energy
- starting a compost bin using kitchen waste, like vegetables and fruit
- planting a native plant garden
- planting a garden to attract bees and butterflies
- putting water out for birds and wildlife, but change it frequently to avoid mosquitoes laying eggs
- taking a walk and photographing nature in your neighborhood, take a litter bag to pick up trash (use gloves and wash hands well when you return home)
- taking a walk and participating in a scavenger hunt for things found in nature, like birds, flowers, leaves and insects
- learning about organizations that strive to help animals and the environment
- looking for organizations in Prince William County that need volunteers to help clean up litter and monitor water quality
- keeping a journal on your thoughts about nature and what you can do to help
- starting to recycle
- pledging to find ways to conserve water
- visit the EarthDay.org website to see how this movement is going digital
Oliver encouraged kids to get involved, as well. She mentioned watching the Dr. Seuss Lorax cartoon or visiting the Seussville website, where there are more than a dozen crafts and activities families can do together at home to celebrate Earth Day. There’s a recipe for Truffula Tree Cake on the website, directions to make a Lorax planter, and a printable Lorax mustache to cut out and wear.
According to Oliver, the Lorax has been speaking for trees since 1971, a year after the first Earth Day. “The Lorax was created by Dr. Seuss, whose delightful books have brilliantly introduced important topics to children. These topics include protecting the environment, showing kindness, and accepting others that are different.”
Oliver said that doing the simple things can contribute to the larger effort. “Taking a simple action to protect the environment, as a solitary act or with family, helps to combine into a larger act. Our voices combined speak for the trees and all other natural resources.”