By Kaitlin Dunn
Lifestyle Editor
This year, Friday, April 22 is Earth Day. According to radio network Audacy, “Earth Day is an annual global event, observed on April 22, that celebrates the environmental movement and raises awareness about pollution and ways to maintain a clean habitat.”
Whether you are an environmental science major, a vegan, or just someone who appreciate your planet, here are some ideas for you to celebrate the day with.
Chestertown Earth Day Celebration
For some local fun that you don’t have to organize yourself, on April 23, Chestertown is hosting the annual Earth Day Festival from 9 a.m. 1 p.m in downtown Chestertown.
According to the event website, “This family friendly event features a Community Trash Walk, electric vehicle car display, free paper shredding, free recycling of batteries, #5 plastics, fluorescent bulbs, a guess the bale weight contest, and educational information booths promoting stewardship.”
If this is something that interests you, grab some friends and check it out.
Vegan for the Day
If you are really willing to commit to the bit, use Earth Day as a meat-free day.
According to The Humane League, an international non-profit, “by eliminating our consumption of animal products and making the switch to plant-based eating, we can stop the rapid depletion of Earth’s resources, slow the threat of climate change, and help protect our planet for generations to come.”
Of course, you don’t need to go fully vegan, but you can always give it a go for even one meal. The Rooted Station is a great option for those looking for a meat-free option.
Have a Picnic
Earth Day is really about appreciating the Earth and its resources, and what better way to do that than by getting outside and enjoying nature?
Grab some friends and a blanket and head down to the waterfront, the Hodson Boathouse, the Campus Green or Wilmer Park and really soak in all the natural beauty that the Earth has to offer.
Garden
Show some plants you love them this Earth Day through gardening. If you have plants yourself, this will be rather easy. If you don’t, take a trip to the campus garden – who knows, you may have a green thumb.
Attend the Arbor Day Celebration
Who says Earth Day has to only be one day? If you’re super excited about the planet, attend the Arbour Day Celebration hosted by the Virginia Gent Decker Arboretum and the Center for Environment & Society at Washington College on April 29.
According to the event website, attendants can look forward to “an afternoon out among the trees, with activities, Arbor Day games and take-home swag.”
Watch a Movie (Specifically, “The Lorax”)
When you think of Earth Day, Environmentalism, or trees, what films come to mind? Personally, I love “The Lorax,” for any occasion, but it’s a particularly great film to watch on Earth Day.
Despite being a book-to-movie adaptation for kids, “The Lorax” has a great message on how we as individuals matter in how we treat the Earth, and even offers advice that we can apply to how we treat the planet.
“Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care. Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air. Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack,” the Lorax says in the book.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, there are many ways in which you can protect and celebrate the Earth this Earth Day, whether it be in small actions like having a picnic or picking up litter, or something larger.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr
Featured Photo Caption: When it comes to Earth Day, there are many ways to celebrate, from planting a tree to simply enjoying nature.