[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day after massive environmental protests were held throughout the United States. By the end of that year, the first Earth Day had led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. In 2009, the United Nations declared April 22 as International Mother Earth Day. Every year, citizens use this day to celebrate and nurture the rivers, trees and air that surround us. Learn more and see ways to celebrate
at www.epa.gov/earthday and earthday.org.
“When the well's dry, we know the worth of water.”
Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanac
Ways to celebrate Earth Day 2017
Plant a tree, succulent, vegetable or herbs
Planting trees is proven to improve air quality, absorb odors and cool temperatures. Not sure where to start? See page 12 for some basic local gardening tips.
Visit your local farmers markets
Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Dripping Springs and Wimberley all have weekly farmers markets at least through October. Buying local is proven to benefit both the environment and the economy.
Pick up litter around your community
See trash, pick it up. It’s easy! April 8 is the Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off, the state’s largest annual clean-up effort. See www.ontmesswithtexas.org for information.
Take a hike at a local natural area
Five Mile Dam, Buda City Park and other natural areas are (almost) always available for an afternoon outside. Other natural areas can be found at www.smgreenbelt.org
Make seed bombs
A basic seed bomb is easy to make and can be an easy way to encourage natural growth. Combine clay, compost, water and local seeds, let it dry and give it a throw. Find further instructions online.
Power down
Save some of that energy for Mother Nature. Turn off the lights, computers and TVs and head outside. Don’t forget to check for leaky faucets and old air filters as well. Consider composting your kitchen waste to save energy from the garbage disposal.
Walk or ride your bike
It’s not always easy in Hays County, but try to commute without your car for a day. Give some of our local bike trails a chance, set up a carpool system, or even just check your vehicle emissions to see if they’re up to par.
Start recycling...
Or continue to reduce, reuse and recycle. Recycling is an easy habit to form and instill in the people around you. Familiarize yourself with what is and isn’t recyclable, including batteries and electronics, by checking online at wm.com.
