The annual observance of Earth Day reminds us to be kind to our shared planet by making green choices in our daily lives. However, unlike other holidays, there is not a standard set of traditions baked in. We do not necessarily get together with family, give upcycled gifts to friends, or grab our wicker baskets and “hunt” for litter in the yard. So how should we celebrate? Here are a few ideas of how to make the most of this Earth Day!
Make Your Yard Bird-Friendly
Who doesn’t love when migratory songbirds “swoop in?” You can create a safe and welcoming rest stop for birds by providing water year-round, installing native plants, building nesting boxes, and of course, providing food in a feeder. The birds will love it, and you will love waking up to their lovely song!
Take the Stairs
Make a good choice for the environment and yourself today. By taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, you are helping reduce energy consumption while also getting some great exercise!
Shop at the Farmers’ Market
Grab those reusable bags and head out to grab some local produce. By using a fabric bag, you are helping to divert plastics from the landfill, and by buying local, you know that fewer fossil fuels were used to bring these delicious fruits and veggies to you. You may even find something new to try in your recipes!
Read Green
“The Giving Tree” and “The Lorax” are just a few of the many green reads out there! Gather as a family to read together, or grab a seat in the sun to relax and read on your own.
Keep a Cup
500 billion disposable cups and 22 billion plastic bottles end up in the landfill each year. This Earth Day, maybe it is time to invest in a water bottle, thermos, or insulated mug to take your favorite drinks with you on the go, without the waste!
Plant a Vegetable Garden
Spring is the perfect time to plant a garden! It can be a fun way to spend family time, and the fruits of your labor will make a great addition to dinners in the summer and fall. To care for your new garden, you can also learn to compost, or collect rainwater to care for your plants.
Calculate Your Carbon
How can you reduce your carbon footprint? The first step is knowing how much carbon you produce as part of your regular routine. Once you know how much carbon you produce, you can start taking practical steps to reduce your carbon footprint.
Visit the Zoo for a Party!
Starting on Earth Day and extending through Saturday, April 24, visit your Akron Zoo and celebrate Party for the Planet! On your way into the park, make a positive impact on our planet by dropping your used soda cans in our collection bin for Cans for Corridors, a program that helps plant tree corridors and restore vital rainforest habitats. Post a selfie with your cans with #CansforCorridors for a chance to win a cool prize, provided by the Akron Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). Once you enter the park, you will enjoy some family fun with a zoo-wide “Choose Your Own Adventure” game, crafts, giveaways and activities, all with a green focus, and visit all of your favorite animals from around the world.