Keeping Earth Day Simple

There are many, many creative and over-the-top ways to celebrate Earth Day.  Here are some thoughts for simple Earth Day.

With Earth Day quickly approaching (Friday, April 22nd) there are, of course, lots of activities, initiatives and programs going on to celebrate Mother Earth. It’s a wonderful thing to see people come together to plant trees, offer education or do a clean up project. I love the impact a single day can make on our world. Be sure to visit websites like www.ThinkEarth.org, TIME for kids, Wildlife Conservation Network, or National Park Foundation and our Homeroom At Home Earth Day – A Call To Action article, as well as, Easy & Last Minute Earth Day Family Activities for plenty and varied ways to get involved.

Many blogs and certainly Pinterest host a full variety of art projects and hands-on activities perfect for teaching our children about energy, wildlife or forest conservation. I agree with all of it and wholeheartedly support efforts in not only educating our children about the importance of such topics and initiatives but also roll our sleeves up and dive into action ourselves… only this year we’re keeping it simple.

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Before I ran out to buy supplies and spent time repinning favorite images, I needed a moment to remember what we’ve already been doing to celebrate Earth, to remember what works for us… and what’s going to have the most impact for us, this year. Coming off a hard season for our family, this Earth day we need to take it easy, appreciate nature and realize the small and everyday ways we can make a difference. Instead of turning Earth Day into a big production, that honestly I couldn’t pull off this year, I wanted to let our small actions speak for themselves.

So what does this mean?  It’s about stopping to smell the roses.

While out & about with my daughter yesterday, we came to a large grass clearing and with both of us curious, we decided to take the trails. On and on we walked, having no idea what was before us, how long the course was, or if there was anything “worth seeing” once we reached the other side. Still, we were filled with anticipation and appreciation for all that was around us. The running water and playful squirrels enhanced our little adventure, not to mention, at the beginning of our journey when a bird chirped a distinguished calling and my daughter said, “Wow, wasn’t that the nicest hello?” just the thing to make any nature enthusiast’s heart melt. Clearly, we were on the right path.

I see Facebook images of my childhood friend climbing these amazing rock formations and I’m in awe of her. She is glowing. And it’s more than her natural beauty, or sense of accomplishment… but a true appreciation for nature. It is my hope that by falling in love with Earth and all it’s natural resources, it will instill this sense of responsibility, in my daughter, that she will do her part to ensure these resources are protected.  It is through small and varied ways, that I hope she will see (and more importantly, feel) the wonder of our natural world.