The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day is April 22, 2020 and instead of large gatherings and festivals this year, our day celebrating mother earth will be a lot closer to home -- as in our homes. It’s something that few would have ever thought possible just a few months ago. Earth Day with no large outside gatherings.
With COVID-19 spreading across the world, those who can, are staying inside, or taking social-distance precautions when going out for essential travel. The novel coronavirus that started in Wuhan, China is now in nearly every country in the world. The pandemic has reshaped how we think about our globally connected world, with Earth Day being just one, ‘re-invented’ celebration this year.
Since this is the first, and hopefully last, Earth Day spent at home, USDA Forest Service thought of some ideas to celebrate our planet in lieu of large festivals.
- Planting a tree (or so) in your yard. If you don’t have a yard but know someone who does and is interested, ask them if they would like the tree as an Earth Day gift. Many nurseries are being hit hard, so by going online and ordering trees you not only will help out a local business you’ll be helping the planet by reducing the carbon footprint for many years to come.
- Start your first Earth Day garden. Like the Victory Gardens set up by folks during the dark days of World War II, an Earth Day garden is a great way to celebrate our planet and the life we sustain from it. You don’t even need a yard. If you have a terrace or just an area of your home with bright windows, you’d be surprised what you can grow inside.
- Get Social! If you don’t plan to do much outside, then this Earth Day is a great time to share your thoughts to help sustain our planet by posting ideas using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. If you have photos from Earth Day events past being in lockdown at home is a great opportunity to share those pictures on photo sharing sites like Instagram.
Of course, there are many more creative ways we can all celebrate this Earth Day. But the most important thing to do is to mark this important day for the most important thing we all depend upon—our planet.