CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives April 2010
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INSPIRATION
This month offers two opportunities to pause and show some love for Planet Earth. Earth Day takes place on April 22 every year and marks the anniversary of the 1970 birth of the modern environmental movement. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event. Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, it is celebrated on the last Friday in April – April 30 this year.
You don’t have to be an environmental activist or a “tree hugger” to appreciate the beauty behind these two celebrations. In fact, one could argue that celebrating and caring for the Earth and its inhabitants should be a year-round occupation. It is simply a matter of being aware of one’s own impact on the planet and being personally responsible in daily choices and actions. We are simply the care-takers, charged with maintaining a healthy world to pass on to future generations.
Here are a few ideas and resources to help you celebrate, learn, educate and participate in preserving and improving our home.
Earth Day
To mark the historic 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, Earth Day Network (earthday.net), together with 20,000 partner organizations in 190 countries, will call on world leaders to act now on climate change. But while the politicians hash out their responsibility, individuals can make a difference by helping to generate a Billion Acts of Green (billionactsofgreen.org) through the Global Days of Service (April 17-18). Community organizations around the globe are creating volunteer service activities. Students can help organize a recycling collection program; neighbors can turn vacant lots into community gardens; parents can go on a nature appreciation hike with their children and pick up trash along the trail – small steps, taken by many can make an enormous impact.
Arbor Day
The premise behind Arbor Day is simple: plant a tree, help the environment and improve quality of life. The national Arbor Day Foundation website (arborday.org/arborday) suggests the following ideas for individuals to celebrate:
- Plant a tree yourself. It is an act of optimism and kindness, a labor of love and a commitment to stewardship. Visit the Arizona Nursery Association website to find member retail location nearest you. Try: berridgenursery.com, harpersnursery.com, moonvalleynursery.com or whitfillnursery.com.
- Read a book about trees. Learn to identify trees in your yard and neighborhood. The Arbor Day Foundation has a tree tutorial available online, and yes, there is even an app for that.
- Enjoy the outdoors. Visit a local park or take a nature hike. Try: Cave Creek Parks – cavecreek.org; Phoenix Parks & Recreation – phoenix.gov/parks; Scottsdale Parks & Recreation – scottsdaleaz.gov; and Arizona State Parks – azstateparks.com.
- Attend a class on tree and plant care. Try: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona Homegrown Solutions or Your Guide To Green.
- Volunteer with a local tree-planting organization. You’ll meet new people and make a difference in your community. Try: Phoenix Permaculture Guild.
INSPIRATION Web Exclusive | CITYSunTimes April 2010