Earth Day should be every day
Jefferson salamander (Photo by Leo Kenney, Vernal Pool Association)
Earth Day is April 22, 2014. This is the day that we show how much we appreciate the Earth by going green. That includes recycling, reusing materials and reducing the uses of some things. Have you noticed how much garbage is blowing around now that the snow has melted? One of things that you can do on Earth Day is to get outside and pick up litter. Earth Day is important because it is a day to help the Earth and keep it safe and clean.
Earth Day should be celebrated every day to remind us to conserve nature, and if we didn’t take care of our earth then it wouldn’t exist! There are many ways to be involved in taking care of the Earth — as an individual, community and family.
Pocket purse (Photo by Lily Hull)
Do you have an old pair of jeans that you don’t wear anymore? You could re-use the jeans to create a pocket purse. One of my favourite things to do is make art. I have a great book called Re-craft: Unique projects that look great (and save the planet) by Jenn Jones and Carol Sirrine. The book shows you how to use old clothes, recyclables, natural materials found in your own backyard, paper and cardboard to transform everyday things into cool new crafts. That is one way that you can be creative, recycle and make Earth Day every day.
I live in the City of Burlington and my community has an endangered Jefferson salamander. These salamanders are only found in southern Ontario and many of them can be found in Burlington. The city closed one of their roads, King Road, during the month of March to allow for safe passage during the salamanders migration. Local Jefferson salamanders spend the winter on one side of King Road but migrate across to the other side to lay their eggs. This is another way to make Earth Day every day by working together as a community to protect a species.
My family and I spend a lot of time in nature. Some of the fun things we do include going for a bike ride, taking the dogs for a walk, doing a hike on one of the local trails, go on a winter bird count and spend time at the beach. As a family, we make Earth Day every day by spending time together outside.
You can find many tips on how to make Earth Day every day! One of my favorite books when I was little was Fancy Nancy: Every Day is Earth Day by Jane O’Connor. The book has tips on how to remember to be green:
- Less then a mile? Then bike in style.
- Please take note. Always bring a tote.
- In cold weather, keep the room temperature low. It’s better to wear a sweater.
- Don’t waste water. Get clean, but stay green.
About the Author
Lily Hull Lily is 10 years old, in grade four and currently lives in the City of Burlington.
