This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and even though we are social distancing, we can still join in the celebrations.

Why is Earth Day Important?

The first Earth Day happened on April 22nd, 1970 and it brought 20 million people out to the streets. People’s support for environmental causes was undeniable. Before the first Earth Day was celebrated, the United States looked very different than it does today. Cities like Los Angeles were filled with so much smog that made breathing difficult.

• The first Earth Day pushed environmental concerns onto the national agenda. That same year, Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• The first Earth Day in 1970 inspired the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts and even the EPA

Interesting Facts About Earth Day

• Started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise public consciousness about environmental concerns such as pollution, oil spills and vanishing wildlife.
• It started in the USA and now is a global event.
• Earth Day 2020 is going virtual
• On Earth Day in 2011, people planted 28 million trees in Afghanistan as part of a “Plant Trees Not Bombs” campaign

Ways to Observe Earth Day from Home

Humans today use about 50 percent more natural resources than we did 30 years ago. It is very important that we all learn about our environment and the effect we have in it. And even though we are under “Stay at Home” orders, there are still things we can do to celebrate Earth Day 2020:

• Help spread the word online
• Watch Earth Day Live
• Help collect data
• Teach your little ones about Earth Day with FREE Earth Day Printables for Kids
• Go Plant Based everything (food, cleaning supplies, etc)
• Commit to eliminate waste by using reusables
• Cut back on water use
• Reduce your electricity consumption
• Plant a garden and compost.  I use this great self watering container garden

South Florida Earth Day

South Florida has its own Earth Day virtual events thanks to Miami Beach’s Sustainachella and UM Earth Week. They include workshops and live Zoom shows by Zoo Miami, Palm Beach Zoo, etc. If you live in the SoFlo, so make sure you check those out with the kids: South Florida Earth Day schedule

Favorite Reusables

This are products that have made a difference in the amount of waste our household is generating:

• Reusable Make Up Remover Pads
• Silicone Stretch Lids
• Food Containers
• Reusable Silicone Bags (Freezer/Fridge)
• Reusable Refillable Coffee Filter for Keurig Coffee Maker
• Alpaca Dryer Balls

Ok. So this is the end of my post. I do hope that you check out the virtual events happening all over the planet in honor of Earth Day. And that you make small changes like switching to reusables to reduce waste and help the planet. We have a duty to learn to be better and it seems that now more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic is a direct result of our mishandling of our natural resources. Let’s learn to thrive!

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With loving kindness,

-Marifer