April is the month the United States honors the Earth. We celebrate Earth Day, National Garden Month, Keep America Beautiful Month, and National Wildlife Week. It makes sense because it’s also the midst of Spring when flowers bloom, birds sing, and nature brings new life to the world.
It’s also a good time to be conscious of how we treat the Earth we live on by doing things to help and not hinder our planet’s survival. How much paper are you stuffing in the trash bin each week? What chemicals are you pouring down the drain? What type of toxins are you releasing into the environment?
Some of these problems are not easy to control alone, but we can do our part by using Eco-Friendly Products, cleaning up litter that surrounds us, planting drought-resistant plants, and more.
Things you can do that are Earth Friendly
Watch documentaries about the Earth
When you are watching TV at night, try to include at least one show that is a documentary about the Earth and nature. Immersing yourself in the natural world will calm your mind and distract you from negative messaging. Here is a list of Nature & Ecology Documentaries on Netflix you may want to check out.
Listen to podcasts about the environment.
While you drive in your car, take a walk, or just relax, turn on an eco-conscious podcast. Here is a list of the best environmental podcasts to listen to by Earth.org
Read books about protecting the planet
I wrote a post about a book by actor Ed Begley Jr. He has been practicing earth-friendly habits for decades. David Attenborough has also authored fascinating books on the subject.
Read good news about the future of planet Earth
The Environmental News Network is a good source for what is happening to help protect our planet. NPR also has an environmental category for Earth News on its website.
Help tend a community garden
Many towns have community gardens where neighbors can volunteer to plant and maintain them. In Pasadena, where I live, we have a free public garden called Arlington Garden that grows California native plants. The groundskeeper makes marmalade from its orange trees. Sales from the jam help pay for expenses. Visitors can sit, relax, and hang out with friends in serene nooks or walk a labyrinth.
Take hikes to enjoy the beauty of nature
When you hike or take walks in a scenic environment, it makes you more conscious about taking care of it and calms your spirit.
Clean up litter in your community
Neighborhood organizations often sponsor clean-ups where volunteers can pick up litter, pick fruit off trees and distribute it to the needy, and other environmentally friendly programs. Next time you see a notice, sign up. It’s good exercise.
Restore nature in your area
Become a member of an environmental organization like The Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Audubon Society. Check out this list of Earth Conscious organizations.
Other things you can do to honor Earth Month in your home
- Turn off lights and electronics when you are not using them.
- Replace toxic chemicals with natural substances for cleaning such as white vinegar or baking soda.
- Change your home air filters regularly.
- Reduce paper use by using microfiber cloth that can be washed and reused.
- Go paper-free when you pay your bills to reduce junk mail. Read online newspapers rather than a daily or weekly newspaper or magazines.
- Use outdoor water barrels to collect rainwater to be used during dry seasons.
- Recycle trash properly and compost produce that can be used in your garden.
- Grow native plants that use less water.
- Recycle electronics and old batteries at a store or recycle center that takes them. Sometimes groups hold special recycling events for electronics and other odd items.
- Take public transportation to reduce greenhouse emissions when you can or walk and get some exercise instead.
- Eat less meat and more seasonal produce.
- Turn the water off when not using it while brushing your teeth, doing dishes, or in the shower.
What do you do specifically to honor Earth Day Month? Please leave a comment below.
The more we are out in nature, the more we realize how important it is to protect it!
So true, Carol. I love getting out in it whenever I can.