Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Extra Special Treat – Hart Dowd

April 22, 2006

EARTH DAY  ~   Celebrated every April 22^nd,  Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide.  There are community cleanups, tree planting events, and Eco Festivals being scheduled all across the country.

Earth Day is quickly approaching once again.  To some, the mere mention of Earth Day is cause for a sigh or ‘ho hum’ comments they don’t understand what the big deal is.  “How much of an impact does Earth Day have any more?” they ask, “You don’t see as many front page headlines reporting Earth Day as you did in the 1990s” they point out.

Has Earth Day lost its appeal, its relevance?  Actually, quite the opposite.

Perhaps one of the reasons for the lack of media coverage of the environment in general, and Earth Day specifically, is simply the fact that environmental lifestyle changes are starting to filter into the mainstream; they are no longer interesting to report.

The successes we have enjoyed have made the topic, dare I say – boring?

Ordinary grocery stores are selling organic food, compact fluorescent light bulbs are broadly available, comp[ost bins are sprouting up in back yards all over the country, municipalities are banning cosmetic pesticides, hybrid cars are on the road, curbside recycling is almost everywhere, Canada ratified Kyoto and bio-diesel and t=ethanol blended fuels are readily available.  The trend is fascinating.

Earth Day has always appealed to the average Canadian.  We engage people through facilitating Earth Day events and lead them through the process of lifestyle changes.  To many, Earth Day is a chance to interact with the environmental players in their community.  Mainstream and boring? ….perhaps, but thankfully so.

Actions To Help The Environment Starting Today:

• Modify your transportation habits – Use your car less.  Try walking or biking.  Take public transport to work or set up a carpool.
• Reduce the energy use in your home – Turn off lights, office equipment and computers when not in use.
• Cut back on your consumption of meat. – Try eating meat free for one day a week.
• Buy local – Buy local foods to support your local farmers and industry.
• Think before you buy – Check out your local re-use center.  Rethink gift giving and purchase with the environment in mind.
• Try reusing instead of throwing away – Avoid using disposable products and re-use what you can.
• Take a Shower instead of a Bath – Baths use five times as much water.
• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth,
• Start Composting – Put a composter in your backyard to reduce waste.
• Explore nature – Visit the local parks and trails near you.  Plant a tree in your backyard, neighbourhood or community.
• Clean Up – Get together with friends and gamily to clean your local park/waterfront.
• Promote Anti-Idling – Turn off your car engine if you are stopped for more than 10 seconds.
• Reuse – Use a rain barrel to collect and store water for your garden.
• Conserve Water – Water your lawn in the early morning and evening to prevent water loss.
• Spread the word – Support the cause.

Kids can make a difference too!

Check with your school to see what events are being planned and get out and participate!  Contact your local municipal office, library or community center to see if events are planned and join in.

Can’t find an event or activity in your community?  That doesn’t mean you can’t participate.  There are many Earth Day web pages to help you get involved.  Learn about recycling, composting, protecting our forests and wildlife and the simple things that kids can do to help.  Every little bit helps.

http:///www.childfun.com/themes/earth.shtml

http://kidsexchange.about.com/kids/kidsexchange/library/blearthday.htm

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Hartson Dowd

 thedowds@telus.net