Let’s Celebrate Earth Day 4.22.20

Earth Day began on April 22, 1970, and has been an important day ever since. It’s a day to reflect on our planet, our environment and what we can do to help keep them healthy.

This year Earth Day looks a bit different. Most of us are staying home and those of us who are going out are only doing so for essential work and travel. Does that mean that Earth Day is cancelled? No way!

Our UU principles call us to act on our beliefs to protect our earth home. We can do plenty to help our one precious Earth – right from our homes!

You can start with things like using recycled items in your crafting. Reduce waste by reusing items. Buy used and reusable items – and when it is time to throw something away, find out if you could recycle it instead. Be aware and make others aware every day of the year – not just on Earth Day!

Want to let others know what you’ve done and encourage others to be active this Earth Day? Join us this Wednesday, April 22 for a faith-filled Earth Day Celebration on Facebook. *

Here’s how it will work… 

  1. Get active for Earth Day – April 22 (or whenever it works for you during the week of April 20-25). Home-friendly ideas below!
  2. Document your work with a picture.
  3. Comment under the Facebook event and show everyone what you’re doing to keep our earth safe!

*Not on Facebook? Send your pictures to Carol or Shelby and we will share your picture for you! You can also go to the Facebook event to see what everyone else is doing even if you don’t have an account.

Here are some tips to get you started…

  • Use environmentally-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.
  • Gather your old clothes and home goods to be donated instead of throwing them out.
  • Use cloth towels instead of paper ones.
  • Bring reusable bags when you do your essential shopping.
  • Use reusable bottles for water, and reusable mugs for coffee.
  • Buy local food to reduce the distance from farm to fork. Buy straight from the farm, join a local farm’s CSA, or join a local food co-op.
  • Buy organic food to keep your body and the environment free of toxic pesticides. Support farmers and companies who use organic ingredients.
  • Grow your own organic garden, or support our church’s UShare efforts by volunteering in the Priest field garden this spring/summer.
  • Compost kitchen scraps for use in your garden — turning waste into fertilizer.
  • Take a shorter shower and use a water-saving shower head.
  • Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Recycle batteries from small appliances and electronics. Use rechargeable batteries instead!
  • Pick up trash around your neighborhood. Remember to socially distance yourselves.
  • Join the Climate Action Circle at our church to get involved with climate justice work.

…and some crafts to make with recycled materials!