Earth Week Ideas

April 22 is Earth Day every year. The last Friday in April is Arbor Day. Since planting a tree is a traditional way to celebrate Earth Day, the two environmental holidays can be confused.  For now, let’s consider a few of the many ways we can make an extra effort to respect the soil, water and air that we depend upon in honor of both days! 

• Attend an Earth Fair or special educational event:  There are some being held on the St. Francis Unversity and JJC campuses on weekdays, there are several at Park Districts and Libraries throughout the County. Check the WillCountyGreen.com calendar of events or call your local organizations.
• Plant a garden. It can be as easy as a few pots with green pepper or tomato seeds. Kits for raised gardens make it a quick and a fun project for the whole family. A wonderful way to get kids to eat their veggies is to get them planting the seeds.
• Instead of a tree, plant some native or drought resistant flowers or bushes such as a Dogwood or flowering Lilac.  A rain garden is a wonderful way to reduce your mowing and slow water runoff, allowing it to naturally recharge aquifers.
• Reuse and recycle as you get rid of clutter. Now is a great time to get rid of old clothes, unnecessary papers (taxes are done, right?) and knick-knacks. Donate to Goodwill or another willing charity clothes, curtains and furnishings.  Recycle electronics and paperwork.
• Improve your energy use, by doing something simple, like insulating electrical outlets (kits are available at hardware stores) or increasing the insulation in your attic.  Consider getting a home energy audit, to identify potential return on investment projects that increase your comfort in the home, your resale value and pay for themselves through utility savings.
• Reduce food waste. If you find yourself with frequent leftovers that end up in the garbage, consider ways to reduce this by making smaller amounts, refrigerating leftovers and warming them up for a meal the next day. Freezing both cooked and uncooked leftovers is another option (date the container as you put it away). Compost the fruits and veggies that still go bad.
• Share these ideas with friends and co-workers in a positive way. Maybe you can recycle more at work or take a neighbor’s items to the recycling drop-off.
• Become a fan of Will County Green on Facebook or sign up for the monthly electronic newsletter at willcountygreen.com to make Earth Day, Everyday.