Earth Day
Earth Day is coming up on April 22. I have fond memories of celebrating Earth Day in elementary school. We’d all get our hands nice and grubby while putting new plants into the soil and tending to the flowers in our butterfly garden. What a sense of pride we felt when we saw our baby plants become vibrant blossoms that turned the ground into a tangible rainbow.
I still love working in the garden and getting covered in dirt. There’s a sense of accomplishment in laying down fresh mulch, pulling weeds out of the ground and seeing plants thrive with some water and sun. What a great way to get stress relief and workout in without even realizing it. Studies have shown that gardening and tending to plants increases motivation, lowers cortisol levels and releases those feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin — a nice gift from planet Earth in exchange for helping take care of her.
Earth Day began as an environmental movement in 1970, following a massive California oil spill in 1969. Sen. Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes promoted events across the states, which really caught on once the name was changed from Environmental Teach-In to Earth Day. Now we’re approaching its 56th anniversary. Locally in the Triangle, there are several events to celebrate the day. Durham has a festival coming up that features music, activities for kids, a book giveaway and a parade. Raleigh’s Earth Day event at Dix Park will have live performances, activities and an inspirational Jane Goodall documentary.
Some fun Earth Day facts that may amp up your trivia knowledge:
- More than 20 million Americans (10% of the population) participated in the first Earth Day.
- Earth Day is on April 22 because of college schedules. It falls between spring break and final exams to maximize student participation.
- Earth Day went global in 1990 — 141 countries joined the cause.
- A cardboard box can be recycled seven times.
- Deforestation leads to the loss of approximately 18 million acres of forest every year. Tens of millions of trees have been planted on Earth Day to help with reforestation.
Take a healthy pause from all the stressors around you. Put your hands into the soil. Water some flowers. Plant a tree (fig trees do GREAT here in NC). Lower your stress and boost your mental wellness. Have a happy Earth Day every day.
Local Earth Day Events and Activities:
Duke Ob/Gyn Climate Action Day
Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations in the Triangle - Triangle on the Cheap
Earth Day Festival | Durham Parks & Recreation, NC