Earth Day is April 22. It’s a day to celebrate our incredible, colorful world. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 in the United States. Today, more than 193 countries recognize it each year. The United Nations designated April 22 as International Mother Earth Day.
There are many activities that active agers can do to join in the celebration! Whether you live in your own home or a senior living community or support loved ones residing in an assisted living community, there are ways to celebrate Earth Day that fit every situation. Here are some fun ideas!
Grow a Garden
Swap cuttings or seeds from your existing house plants with your friends and neighbors. If you live in a group setting, an outdoor patio or community room is the perfect spot to host a Plant Party! Purchase a few supplies like cute little pots, potting mix, decorative stones, and moss. It’s also a chance to meet new people. And don’t forget the snacks!
Many communities have local gardening clubs you can join, too. This is an excellent way for experts to share their knowledge and passions and for beginners to get support. Most volunteer to maintain gardens around town.
For the really ambitious, get together with other seniors and plant a community garden. Gardening can become a life-long hobby and even produce delicious fruits and vegetables for your meals. Starting a community garden requires a bit of pre-planning, but a group effort can ease the hard work.
Plant a Tree
Plant a tree that is native to your area. Gather a few friends or residents to help, and you’ll get to enjoy the beauty for years to come. Don’t have space to plant your own tree? Organizations like Arbor Day Foundation and One Tree Planted use funds from sales on their website and donations to plant trees.
Connect with Nature
Bird watching is a fascinating way to celebrate Earth Day. You can do it without leaving your home and for very little to no cost. All it takes is looking and listening. The sights and sounds are a beautiful reward. Many types of birds flit around backyards, especially if you hang a bird feeder. Consider making your own bird food to feed your new feathered friends. You may want to purchase binoculars to enhance your visual tour of nature. Purchase a bird guide so you can check off the species you see each day. Or take some pictures and print them out to make your own bird guide.
Gather a group of community residents or neighbors and take a nature walk. Observe the plants and flowers, trees, and shrubs. Listen for the birds and bugs. Keep your eye out for things you don’t usually see when driving around your community. Reflect on nature. Open your mind and heart to the feelings of peace and restoration that a nature walk brings.
Shop at a Local Farmers Market
Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced meats, and homemade jams at your local farmers market. Not only are you helping the planet by purchasing local food that has less impact on the ground, but you’re also supporting local farmers and artisans. Don’t forget to take your reusable shopping bags!
Start a Composting Pile
Composting is an excellent way to recycle organic waste like food scraps at home. You can composting indoors or outdoors, and you can make it as simple or complex as you want. The environmental benefits include:
- Improving soil health.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Recycling nutrients.
- Mitigating the impact of droughts.
Be an Earth Advocate
Write a letter to your local politician to encourage support for environmental causes. Sign up for a class or a seminar at a local community college and learn about recycling, gardening, and composting. Support local businesses who are celebrating Earth Day. Read a book, subscribe to a blog, or watch a film or documentary that will educate you on current environmental issues. Have a little extra cash? Pick a charity that supports the environment and donate. It’s a feel-good thing to do!
So, don’t let Earth Day 2022 pass you by without getting involved. Encourage your family and friends to join you, too! It’s much more fun to celebrate Earth Day together. After all, we all share this one earth—and even one person, whether young or young-at-heart, can make an impact.