By Caroline Ask, Environmental Compliance & Recycling Manager
In 1970, 20 million people mobilized to call for greater protections for our planet. The event became the world’s first Earth Day.
Earth Day has since become the largest secular observance in the world. More than 190 countries and a billion people celebrate it as a day to encourage positive changes in behavior that benefit our environment.
Since Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we offer these creative and innovative ways to do your part:
- Take a walk to identify native plant species in your area — or simply enjoy your surroundings.
- Craft a nature collage from items found on your walk.
- Compost your food waste.
- Avoid using herbicides or pesticides before rain events.
- Clean out your closet, but instead of throwing your old clothes away, donate them.
- Check out NASA’s Earth Day 2020: 50th Anniversary Toolkit.
- Calculate your carbon footprint.
- Research how to start a backyard garden and ways to support helpful insects and pollinators.
- When shopping, use reusable bags. However, some retailers are recommending the use of plastic bags until the COVID-19 outbreak subsides.
- Identify the types of accepted recyclables in College Station.
- Learn how to dispose of household hazardous waste Our next collection event is Oct. 24.
- Follow the Brazos Valley WaterSmart network to use efficient watering techniques for your lawn.
- Join a virtual Earth Day
- Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth.
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Construct a rainwater harvesting barrel for landscape irrigation.
- Repurpose jars and other containers as beverage glasses or small bowls.
- Serve a fun Earth Day-inspired dessert such as dirt pudding to teach your kids about the importance of soil.
- Plant a tree.
- Tag us with your Earth Day activities using the hashtag #BVEarthDay2020.
Happy Earth Day!
About the Blogger
Carolina Ask is in her third year with the city and her first as the environmental compliance and recycling manager. She previously served as an engineering program specialist and environmental inspector. Caroline previously held environmental health positions at Texas A&M and Houston’s Texas Children’s Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Bioenvironmental Sciences from A&M in 2012.
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