by Amanda Rose Newton
The 1960s in America was a time of awakening across many disciplines and practices. Earth Day is a direct result of our eyes being opened to the depletion of our natural resources and unfriendly environmental practices.
Rachel Carson published her famous Silent Spring in 1962, which profoundly indicated our direct role in the health of organisms from all over the Earth.
Senator Gaylor Nelson, an easygoing Democrat from Wisconsin, became a leader in the Earth Day movement. Modeled after the popular anti-Vietnam war “sit and teach-ins” happening at academic centers around the country, he envisioned Earth Day as a demonstration to encourage others to fight for a better, cleaner world.
The very first Earth Day was held on April 22nd, 1970 and rallies were held nationwide. What endears Earth Day to individuals to this day is the fact that these demonstrations did facilitate change in both public and political opinion.
The Clean Air Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Endangered Species Act, and Water Quality Improvement Act were all implemented in the 1970s following Earth Day. Probably the best-known product of the Earth Day movement was the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which is solely responsible for protecting our health and safeguarding the environment.
Earth Day Celebrations Today
Sit-ins and teach-ins are less common, and it is no longer limited to just the United States. Over 140 nations participate in Earth Day, celebrating in their own way whether through gatherings or drum circles.
In fact, a recent poll revealed that Earth Day sees more than 1 billion people involved each year, making it the largest single secular event in the world!
If you are looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day and maybe create a lasting tradition, we have several in mind for a variety of age groups.
Ten Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
1. Get a Rain Barrel
Water is the most precious resource that we (and our plant friends) cannot live without! Purchasing a water barrel helps recycle this resource year after year.
2. Compost!
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to give back to Mother Earth is to improve her soil with compost. Food scraps that end up in landfills emit methane gas, whereas composted food typically does not have this effect thanks to microbes.
3. Garden
Gardening is a great way to better connect with nature, loved ones, the food you eat, and help relieve stress.
The food you grow saves transport costs and reduces environmental harm while the exercise of yard work will make you happy long after Earth Day is over.
4. Recycle
While this one might seem obvious, I am talking outside the recycling bin! There are so many wonderful projects for everything from old toilet paper tubes to old boots that can breathe new life into what would have been trash.
5. Clean up as a family or group!
Community clean-ups are a great way to get the whole family involved in creating a happier, cleaner world. Our local beaches will be thrilled to host you and your guests for a cleanup event!
6. Grow Native Plants
We say that a lot on the blog, and there is a reason for it.
Native plants take fewer resources and provide nourishment for numerous species, including us! Think of it as naturally refurbishing the environment with each plant.
7. Reduce Pesticide, Herbicide, and Fertilizer Use
This is a no-brainer, but the fewer of these you use in your yard, the less likely these are to have harmful effects on our environment.
8. Take a Hike!
We are lucky to have the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EELS) here in Brevard County. These are sanctuaries that are open to the public to explore and enjoy. It makes you stop and appreciate how amazing this part of the world is to live in. Especially if a scrub jay decides to land on you!
9. Create a Space for Wildlife
Making room for the creatures who visit your space improves their lives and has positive effects on the environment.
You can do this by setting up a bird feeder, planting shrubs with berries, and letting flowers go to seed.
10. Attend an Event
Of course, nothing is more fun on Earth Day than a celebration! This year, Rockledge Gardens is devoting an entire weekend to Earth Day fun!
Saturday, April 22 – Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 12 pm to 4 pm, we’ll have local organizations and vendors, live music, beer/wine, and food from our newest additions to The Market, Garden Party plant-based kitchen with Mad Utter ice cream coming soon! Plus, educational seminars by Denise Crawley (Grow Your Own Food) and Native Florida Landscapers Change of Greenery and, of course, lots of plants!
You can feel extra good knowing that a dollar from every purchase at Rockledge Gardens will be donated to the One Tree Planted organization, who is focused on global reforestation.
