There are so many other ways to celebrate Earth Day this year. The pandemic is still going strong so it’s important to wear a mask and social distance if out in public. If you’re in Whatcom County, Washington, the Bellingham Parks Volunteer Program has a few Earth Day stewardship opportunities April 22-24 but requires pre-registration and everyone to follow Covid-19 guidelines and their Safe Start Plan.
Consider picking up a book from your local indie bookstore on topics like clean water, environmental racism, sustainability, or climate change. I personally recommend the book ‘To Be a Water Protector: The Rise of the Wiindigoo Slayers’ by Winona LaDuke. Learning from different perspectives can help create more diverse and just solutions to the problems we face, as different people with a variety of identities are all affected differently by climate change.
- 10 Black Women in the Green Space Who You’ll Want in Your Instagram Feed by Sophie Hirsh, GreenMatters
In addition to supporting indie bookstores, support your local library too! Most libraries might be closed to the public because of covid-19 but some offer curbside pickup, where you can check out a book online and pick it up just outside the library’s front doors. Plus, Libby is a great book lending app that works with public libraries to rent out ebooks and audiobooks.
The Pickford Film Center is streaming the documentary “Kiss the Ground”, which can be streamed in your own home for free April 16-25. The film is narrated by Woody Harrelson and all about regenerative agriculture and the importance of soil. On Saturday, April 24th, Sustainable Connections is hosting a discussion and farmer panel about the documentary.
If you’re looking for Earth Day activities you can do with your household or socially distanced with friends, here are some ideas:
- DIY Seed Bombs – seed bombs are pretty easy to make small balls that are made with clay or shredded paper, compost, and seeds. Seed bombs are a great way to distribute seeds all over, as they’re easy to carry around and drop on the ground when dry! Make sure to use seeds of plants and flowers that are native to your area to prevent invasive species from taking over.
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt – spending time in nature is a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day! I created a free scavenger hunt and nature journal you can save and print out.
- Scavenger hunt and nature journal [Free PDF!]
- Build a bee hotel or a bee watering hole – in addition to needing more pollinator-friendly places, bees also need a place to rest and a place to drink water! You can either make or buy both of these things.
- Plant pollinator-friendly plants and trees in your garden – in addition to providing nectar and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, flora like sunflowers, apple trees, pumpkins, California poppies, and milkweed can also provide a gorgeous scene and food for you!
What are you doing today or over the next few days to celebrate Earth Day?