This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. On April 22, 1970, millions of people throughout the country came together rallying for protections to safeguard our planet for future generations. The first Earth Day helped transform the ways we interact with the world around us and it changed how we view the impact on our planet. It also inspired the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and sparked legislation that protects the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the animals that live alongside us.
“Most of the nation is staying at home and social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and therefore most Earth Day group celebrations and cleanups have been postponed or canceled, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate and participate in Earth Day,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer. “We’re encouraging all residents to find ways to participate in Earth Day this year. Every change we make impacts our Earth.”
Environmental groups are hosting free webinars, online learning for children, teaching aids for educators, environmental justice programs, and more.
The Alliance for Watershed Education is a collaboration of 23 environmental education centers that are offering a variety of virtual Earth Day programs and events including an online rain barrel workshop and a nature challenge. More information on events and programs can be found here: www.watershedalliance.org/
The Clean Air Council is holding its annual Run for Clean Air virtually this year. Participants can register to run between April 18-26 and submit their times online. The Clean Air Council has held the annual run since 1981 to celebrate Earth Day. The run is one of the region’s longest-running charity races and its largest Earth Day event. More information and a link to register can be found here: https://cleanair.org/event/2020-virtual-run-for-clean-air/
Delaware County libraries are closed but residents can still check out a variety of E-books. The Delaware County Library System has created a selection of books for both kids and parents to learn more about Earth Day and ways to help the environment. A list of Earth Day reading materials can be found here: www.delcolibraries.org/Earth-Day
You can find more digital Earth Day events here: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2020/#map
Delaware County Council encourages all residents to celebrate Earth Day and participate in a project in their home or backyard.
Most of us are home more than usual and using more electricity and water. We can all be more conscious of our use and conserve less water and electricity. Turn off the water when you’re not using it- such as when washing dishes or brushing teeth. Turn off the lights when you’re not in the room and unplug appliances and electronics when they’re not being used.
Residents can also plant seeds to grow their fruits and vegetables, learn about composting and follow the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle practices on Earth Day and EVERY day.
Council is challenging residents to participate in Delco’s Virtual Earth Day Celebration on April 22. Residents are encouraged to post their ideas and celebrations and upload a photo to the County’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DelawareCountyCouncil/photos/a.132839116864744/1701886023293371/