Earth Day APRIL 22

Around Town

Earth DayJust because you can’t gather with a group of like-minded people doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Earth Day on April 22.

This year’s event — the 50th anniversary of the holiday — will be celebrated online with Digital Earth Day, according to the Earth Day Network.

“Amid the recent outbreak, that means using our voices to drive action online rather than in person,” said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. 

The Washington, D.C,.-based organization encourages participants to share the eco-friendly actions they are taking on Earth Day by using the hashtags #EarthDay2020 and #EARTHRISE.

According to the Earth Day Network’s website, April 22 will include global conversations and educational videos.

“Musicians, artists, scientists and thought leaders will use digital ‘teach-ins’ to share their experience, expertise and lessons to a global audience,” Earth Day Network said.

The Earth Day Network said it hopes the initiative to clean up beaches, neighborhoods and other areas will resume later this year. 

The first Earth Day celebration was held April 22, 1970, when 20 million Americans demonstrated for a healthier environment. In 1990, the event went global with 200 million people in 141 countries demonstrating in support of environmental concerns. For more information go to earthday.org. 

TIPS TO GO ‘GREEN’

  • Use a reusable water bottle: The U.S. uses 50 billion plastic water bottles each year, with most ending up in a landfill. Making plastic bottles uses 17 million barrels of gasoline, enough to power 1.3 million cars for a year. 
  • Recycle: Reduce your garbage by 10% and your carbon footprint by 1,200 pounds a year by recycling paper, plastic and glass. 
  • Save electricity: Turn off and unplug any electrics that are not in use. Turn off your computer at night, and turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Try composting: Composting biodegradable food and materials is a way to feed organisms in the soil and plant life while reducing waste. Try composting kitchen scraps to use in your garden or yard.
  • Plant a garden: Plant flowers for a fragrant garden, or plant vegetables to grow your own produce. You can plant from food scraps, such as lettuce, celery and onions