Every day we act. How many of those acts keep us treading just a bit lighter on the planet? Check below to see how you score.
Though every day is earth day, we chose one day of the year to dedicate to the Earth — April 22 — which here locally we will celebrate on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Centennial Park. This day will be dedicated to our forests and to those who serve to protect them.
The day will be filled with activities: The Mindfulness Hour from 9 to 10 a.m. will include an opening earth blessing, a sound bath, yoga in the park and a wetland tour with the River Walk Naturalist Program; from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., activities for young and old will abound — a community tea gathering, World Migratory Bird Day, a poetry slam and open mic, tour of the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership Education Dome, a youth art booth, and chalk art for children.
Meanwhile, having set up from 9 to 10 a.m., our community booths featuring local businesses, nonprofits and individuals, all who consider themselves stakeholders in the fate of the planet, will be open to introduce their product or service. And food? Of course; there will be a food truck or two.
Now, let’s consider our acts for the year and see if we can check off a few from the list:
• Use of energy: Change all your light bulbs to LED. Plug large electronics into a smart power strip. Check weatherproofing on windows and doors. Get an energy audit.
• Use of water: Switch to reusable water bottles. Install a low-flow showerhead. Install a toilet buddy. Recycle gray water.
• Use of food: Compost your food and yard waste. Grow your own food. Shop at your local farmers market.
• Handle waste: Recycle glass, metal, plastic and paper. Deny all plastic bags. Shop at our local thrift stores. Purchase a sustainable toothbrush. Switch from paper towels to reusable rags. Switch to recycled paper or bamboo paper toilet paper.
• Ecology practices: Use native birdseed in your feeder. Install a solitary beehive “hotel.” Plant native plants.
How did you score? Better than last year? What will you set as targets for the year?
If you have not signed up to be present and want to, email the following sworgsus@gmail.com and explain who you are and what you want to do.
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