Vail area residents can rally behind the Earth Day 2023 theme “Invest in Our Planet” which highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues. Investing in our planet is necessary to protect it and the best way to pave a path towards a prosperous and safe future. When we “Invest In Our Community and Planet” together, we are supporting healthy, happy, and wealthy communities locally and worldwide.
As we take inventory of how each of us impacts our environment, be aware that natural resources are not infinite. We all consume natural resources and pollute the earth in varying degrees. Education is critical along with sensible conservation methods. We can teach our children well the ways to protect our environment and become the future leaders of good global conservation practices right here in our own Vail area.
In our diverse and rare eco-region of the Sonoran Desert, water conservation is a primary concern for everyone. Brad Lancaster, (https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/) a Tucson resident and environmentalist has some great resources at his web site detailing water harvesting techniques and designs that capture rainwater runoff. Brad has several YouTube videos to demonstrate his practical tips and how each of us can be better stewards of our water resources.
5 Ways to be part of Earth Day 2023 (information provided Earthday.org)
- Plant trees or a pollinator garden.
Trees are one of the most powerful tools to combat the climate crisis. Attend a local tree planting event or donate to campaigns, like EARTHDAY.ORG’s The Canopy Project, to help reforestation efforts across the world. Pollination is essential for all terrestrial life on Earth. Plant a pollinator garden using species native to your area to support local populations of butterflies, bees, and other organisms critical to sustained biodiversity in your ecosystem.
- Reduce your plastic consumption.
Plastic pollution is one of the most important environmental problems we face in today’s world. We all contribute to this problem and must work to reduce, and ultimately end, plastic pollution. Make a plan this Earth Day to reduce your plastic consumption using Earthday.org plastic calculator.
- Make sustainable fashion choices.
Fast fashion has completely revolutionized the apparel industry, but not for the better. Learn about the detrimental impacts of fast fashion, the importance of sustainable fashion, and commit to responsible consumption.
- Plan your own event & participate in advocacy.
It’s easy to start your own Earth Day event! Think of the possibilities for the whole family to be involved in. Some suggestions include: Community cleanup, march, teach-in, or rally, EARTHDAY.ORG has step-by-step instructions on how to organize your Earth Day activity in their Earth Day 2023 Action Toolkit. Be sure to register any and all events you plan on the official Earth Day Map at Earthday.org.
- Activate on social media.
Creating content for the world to see is critical in communicating the importance of climate action. Whether you create posters and banners, or plan/attend a march, rally, cleanup, or any other popular Earth Day event, be sure to post what you’re doing to tag #EarthDay and/or #InvestInOurPlanet to spread awareness around the environmental movement and possibly be featured on EARTHDAY.ORG’s social channels.
Visit: EARTHDAY.ORG to sign up for updates and learn about our earth-friendly projects.
Have a safe Earth Day and enjoy our great spring weather – plant a tree!
Please visit: vailready.wordpress.com
By Rick Bass
