ReadingSTEM: It's Earth Day - how can you participate?

The first Earth Day took place in 1970 (next year will be 50 years!) as a day to recognize and celebrate our environment while raising the public awareness. Springtime is the best time to think about this – while we marvel at the changing landscape, new growth, new life, and nature waking up!

How can you recognize Earth Day? My recommendation is to think of it as a chance to build a new-year’s resolution, but about changing your own behaviors/routines as they apply to the environment. While one-time activities are always positive and engaging, shifting patterns of behavior build more sustainably-minded children. When families get involved together, what a difference we can make!

Check out some of these ideas:

Agree to no more single-use straws- With recent videos showing the impact of straws on ocean wildlife, this has been a big push in recent years. Even big corporations and communities like Los Angeles, American Airlines, and coming soon Starbucks are shifting to a no-plastic straw policy. In my house we use reusable durable straws. Some folks like paper straws or silicone straws while other use stainless steel. Looking for more info? Check it out here: https://thelastplasticstraw.org/

Pump up your recycling routines – Reading is a “single stream” recycling program which means you don’t have to sort your recyclables! This is great news and allows ease of recyclable materials. Many items can be recycled. Check out more info here to see what can be recycled and the simple steps you can take to be sure to decrease recyclable materials being thrown in the trash. Make it easy with a recycling bin in the kitchen, office and any other room that you create disposable waste.

Reduce Food Packaging – This past September Reading shifted to eliminate single-use plastic bags from local shopping areas. While this has helped to decrease food packaging waste, you can help take it the next step! Consider bringing reusable bags specifically for your produce so you don’t have to use those produce bags. If you like your meat to have its own barrier, consider paper instead of the plastic bags. You can also say ‘no thanks’ to the plastic dry cleaning bags and bring a reusable bag and don’t utilize plastic sleeves for flowers.

Conserve Water – Small moves in daily routines can make a big difference. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and washing dishes. Only utilize dishwashers and washing machines when full. Limit the amount of time spent in the shower to 5 mins – enough time to get clean without sending wasted water down the drain. (try setting a timer!)

General routines that we can all consider;

walk or ride a bike instead of driving
don’t idle the car – turn it off to decrease emissions
use mulch to increase moisture in your garden beds, decreasing water needs
put houseplants outside to catch some natural rainfall
invest in rainwater barrels to install on the ends of drainpipes for outdoor watering – at our house we use this recycled water exclusively for our gardening – you will be surprised at what you can catch from runoff!
donate unwanted items instead of throwing away
use reusable lunch containers rather than plastic bags or foil
try composting food waste – which gives you rich soil for garden beds/flower boxes!
turn off lights when you’re not in the room
be thoughtful about your temperature settings for your heating and cooling systems (more tips here)
donate to an environmental charity

Simple and quick ideas? Plant a tree, ride a bike, pick up trash, reduce, reuse, recycle, go paperless with bills, unsubscribe from paper catalogs, shop local markets and farmers.

The best thing you can do? INCLUDE YOUR CHILDREN in these conversations and decisions – it is their future we’re working to protect – and they are naturally aware and often find it easier to shift their routines than adults. Capitalize on their natural curiosity and encourage their stewardship in our Earth.

Happy Earth Day to all!

~Heather Leonard, STEM Curriculum Coordinator