Earth Day 2020

EARTH DAY 2020

I found this Earth Day Event sign above on the Internet today. It said, "CANCELLED" underneath it. How could Earth Day possibly be canceled? Today is its 50th Anniversary that began in 1970 to raise awareness about environmental issues. This year Earth Day worldwide outdoor events have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we are social distancing and wearing face masks. I understand that holding a public celebration does not fit into our current set of health rules. However, the good news is that there are unprecedented drops in air pollution levels in cities worldwide this week. We can still celebrate Earth Day in our own ways. How can we do this both inside and outside our homes?

1. This is your lucky star gazing night. The universe is aligned with Earth Day. The Lyrid Meteor Shower will rain on our night sky tonight. 2020 is special because it is almost the New Moon and the sky will be extra dark. There will be shooting stars to see if you pay close attention. The comet will streak across our sky leaving a dusty trail. The Lyrid Comet is one of the oldest showers that dates back to 687 BC. You don't need any special equipment to see this Lyrid Shower. Just have patience, a clear sky and a set of good eyes. 

2. Take a walk outside your front door. Stroll down your street or wander into a nearby park. Take the time to appreciate nature even on city streets. We are surrounded by a wide array of trees, plants, and flowers arranged under the frame of a beautiful sky. Take your family or friends for a walk around your local neighborhood. Tell them to count how many colors and shapes in nature they see on their walk such as green, brown, yellow and orange. You can google "Native Plant Finder" and enter your zip code to find plants in your area.

3. Lie down on the ground and look at the sky with your children. The clouds form pictures as they move in the wind. Keep a "Cloud Journal" and draw the animals and other shapes you see in the clouds. I did this activity with my First Graders as part of their Science Unit. It was their favorite part of the day to lie in the grass and sketch the clouds above. The rest of the school day would continue in a calm atmosphere. 

4. Plant a garden in or outside your house. One of my favorite memories is the garden my children and I planted in our Michigan backyard. They prepared the soil, dug the holes, planted the seeds, and pulled the weeds. The reward came at the end of the school year with fresh vegetables to eat and sunflowers taller than me. 

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Ask your children to help you sort the family cans, bottles, and plastics into containers. With this worldwide lockdown, we all have plenty of trash to sort. Most cities provide recyclable containers for curbside pick up or a recycling center to drive to in your city. 

6. Watch environmental documentaries on the Internet, Netflix, and the Disney Channel. Search for topics such as Endangered Animals, The Great Barrier Reef, National Parks, Elephants, Dolphins, and more. Make some popcorn, chopped vegetables with a dip, and fresh fruit for your at-home movie snacks.