In Honor of Earth Day

April 22, 2013 marks the 43rd Annual Earth Day celebrated since it initially began in 1970. Earth Day is a time to remember the precious environment around us and to celebrate the ways in which we are trying to preserve what has been made available to us in our everyday lives. I thought this week it would be fun to post some ideas on how people can celebrate Earth Day and help create a more sustainable environment.

One of the easiest ways to celebrate Earth Day is by planting a tree. Planting trees is not only a fun activity but helps cut down the amount of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. Grow Financial, a bank in the Tampa Bay area, will be giving away free Florida Slash Pine saplings to anyone who visits any of their 20 branches on Earth Day. Trees are limited to five per household. The slash pine trees that are being given out were chosen because they are one of the hard yellow pines indigenous to the southeastern United States.
 I'm sure there are plenty of other companies and organizations that are giving away free tree saplings so be on the look out!

Another great way to celebrate Earth Day is to attend an Earth Day event. Earth Day events are held across the nation and are full of fun activities for both kids and adults.  Nationwide events can be seen at www.earthday.net. So find some friends and head to an event near you!

Another fun way to celebrate Earth Day is by sorting through old items or trash for things that can be recycled. This not only prevents more waste from being put into land fills but it also may give you a few dollars (I.E. recycling aluminum or copper). So get some friends together and start collecting those cans and bottles!

Lastly, household members can sit down together on Earth Day, in a town-hall style forum, and discuss specific energy or other sustainable goals that they would like to achieve as a group. This could be simple things such as changing light bulbs to more energy efficient ones or planting a vegetable garden so that the family can eat more locally and organic. No matter what the goals, your family will feel great knowing you are helping the environment, and potentially your wallet.

And remember, Earth Day celebrations don't have to be a once a year thing. This items can and should be done year round! So get out and enjoy all that nature has to offer!