Making
the Most of Arbor Day
On April 27, we will celebrate Arbor Day!
There are so many activities that you can take part in this year to make a
difference, and help the Earth become a more sustainable and healthy home.
While celebrating the importance of plant life and trees, consider the
activities and small
Plant a
Tree
One of the best ways to celebrate Arbor Day is
to plant a tree! Trees have so many positive effects on the environment, and us
as humans as well.. Just two mature trees provide enough oxygen for one
individual to breathe for one whole year. If you don’t have have the space to
plant a tree, or you’re just not sure where to find one, look for organizations
like the National ForestFoundation that allow you to sponsor the planting of
trees without having to do it
yourself. Many companies are also
taking part in planting trees through partnering with organizations like American Forests, whose mission is to
plant trees in our endangered and depleting forests. Arhaus, makers of reclaimed andrecycled dining room furniture, is just one example of a company
that works with American Forests, and will be donating trees in honor of Arbor
Day. Check out American Forests’ site to see what other brands they work with,
and how they are working to improve our natural ecosystems!
Start a
Garden
Growing your ownfruits and vegetables can help
cut down on the amount of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide pollutants
emitted when driving to and from your local grocery store,and cut down on the
plastic packaging and plastic bags that contribute to harmful landfills. Eating
fresh produce from your garden, also helps to limit your exposure to pesticides
or GMOs, by being 100% organic. If you’re a beginner, starting a garden can be
daunting, but start small by growing small plants in your window sill, and work
your way up to growing your own garden. This can be a conscious way to eat more
vegetables and less meat as well. There’s no pressure to go vegetarian, but
even eating a few plant based meals a week can cut down on the demand for meat,
and decrease the manufacturing of it, which puts a strain on the environment
and creates a large amount of carbon emissions.
Or, if you find gardening isn’t for you, and you lack that green thumb,
make it a goal for yourself to seek out local farmers or fruit stands to buy
produce, rather than purchasing from big box stores. You will cut down on waste
and pollution, while also supporting
your local community!
Join a
Garbage Clean-up
Another way to honor Arbor Day is to organize
or join a garbage cleanup in your local community. We often see garbage on the
side of the road, parks, or even just naturally wooded areas. Garbage on the
side of highways, close to wooded ecosystems and waterways can be a huge issue
to animals and other wildlife that inhabit those areas. To have an impact on
the habitats of our wildlife, and decrease the chances of further water
pollution, get a group of friends together and spend an hour or two collecting
the trash left scattered around your community. If you don’t want to organize
an event, but wish to get involved, contact your local park or town hall, to be
informed about other groups working towards the same mission, that would love to
have you join their crew!