Speak for the trees and celebrate Earth Day

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and while COVID-19 has everything locked down, there are still things people can do to celebrate the day.

Deb Oliver, spokeswoman for the county’s Department of Public Works, said some ideas include 1. enjoying nature, 2. planting a tree, 3. picking up trash, 4. recycling, or any other activity that shows respect for the earth, such as:

5. changing to LED lightbulbs in homes and looking for ways to conserve energy
6. starting a compost bin using kitchen waste, like vegetables and fruit
7. planting a native plant garden
8. planting a garden to attract bees and butterflies
9. putting water out for birds and wildlife, but change it frequently to avoid mosquitoes laying eggs
10. taking a walk and photographing nature in your neighborhood, take a litter bag to pick up trash

11. taking a walk and participating in a scavenger hunt for things found in nature, like birds, flowers, leaves and insects
12. learning about organizations that strive to help animals and the environment
13. looking for organizations in Prince William County that need volunteers to help clean up litter and monitor water quality
14.keeping a journal on your thoughts about nature and what you can do to help
15, starting to recycle
16. pledging to find ways to conserve water

Oliver encouraged kids to get involved, as well. She mentioned watching the Dr. Seuss Lorax cartoon or visiting the Seussville website, where there are more than a dozen crafts and activities families can do together at home to celebrate Earth Day. There’s a recipe for Truffula Tree Cake on the website, directions to make a Lorax planter, and a printable Lorax mustache to cut out and wear.

According to Oliver, the Lorax has been speaking for trees since 1971, a year after the first Earth Day. “The Lorax was created by Dr. Seuss, whose delightful books have brilliantly introduced important topics to children. These topics include protecting the environment, showing kindness, and accepting others that are different.”

Oliver said that doing the simple things can contribute to the larger effort. “Taking a simple action to protect the environment, as a solitary act or with family, helps to combine into a larger act. Our voices combined speak for the trees and all other natural resources.”