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Earth Day Activities to do from Home


April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day was created as a day to inspire people to dedicate one day celebrating the Earth in hopes that it will spread to years of doing it. While we cannot gather to together to celebrate, and things will look a bit different than in previous years, families can still celebrate Earth Day at home.



Study Earth STEM
Use the NASA Earth Day 2020: 50th Anniversary Toolkit. NASA is providing a wealth of science resources from across the agency for outreach to young people. The programs, games, videos, books, images and posters are free for teachers, students, parents and anyone.
Participate in Earth Challenge 2020. Get the app for Android and iOS devices that enables you to gather scientific information on air quality and plastic pollution near you.


Pick up litter
For some of us right now, going for a walk is the most exciting part of our day. Picking up litter around your neighborhood, school or local park can be a great thing to do while out on that walk. Better yet, encourage your friends to pick their own areas to clean so you can spread the Earth Day goodness around.



Gardening
This is the perfect Earth Day activity, as you are giving back to the Earth.  You can plant herbs for your yummy recipes, colorful flowers to beautify your home, or tasty fruits and vegetables to have with dinner. You can find seeds or starter plants at most essential home goods stores. 


Plant a tree in your yard
Trees are essential to life, as they create the air we breathe, store carbon, filter air pollution, provide shade, and stabilize the soil. The beauty they add to our environment is an added bonus. Support your local plant nurseries by contacting them to find out what local trees they have in supply (it is easier to get a new plant to thrive if it’s indigenous to your area) and if they deliver.


Visit a city, state, or national park
Even though playgrounds and gathering areas are closed, there are greenways and hiking trails (large enough to keep your social distance) that are still open at some of them. And even though national parks are closed to the public, they are offering some spectacular virtual tours. From the iceburgs of Alsaska to the coral reefs of Florida, from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the mountains of Tennessee, this is the perfect way to see a new place.



Set up a bird feeder
Not only are you caring for some of nature’s animals, but you are making a backyard environment perfect for watching them. Share your home with these creatures by building a birdhouse or bird feeder out of recycled materials, such as an old cardboard box or milk jug.



Have a Family Earth Day Movie Night
Watch these family- and Earth-friendly films:
Wall-E • Islands of Lemurs • Madagascar • Dr. Seuss: The Lorax •  Earth Arctic Tale • Bears • March of the Penguins • School  House Rock! Earth


Recycle
If your home doesn’t already recycle, this is the perfect time to start. Go online to find out which items tour community accepts for recycling. Then set up a small station in your home or garage, make a poster as a reminder for your family, and watch to see everything that won’t make it to the landfills.



Sources:
“Eight Earth Day Activities to do at Home”, Goodsey, www.goodsey.com/gift-blog/seasons/spring/earth-day
“Earth Day: How to Celebrate While You’re Sheltering in Place”, Earth Institute; Columbia University, https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2020/04/17/celebrate-earth-day-covid-19/
“15 Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day”, Parade, https://parade.com/1014585/marynliles/earth-day-activities-adults-kids/



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