"What's Earth Day, mummy?".
"Well, you know how we have special days like Mother's Day to remind us to think about special people in our lives?
"Yeah"
"Earth Day is kinda like that. It reminds us to think about the Earth, and to change our actions to make sure the Earth lasts a long time".
"Why do we have to think about the Earth?"
Ummm...
What would you say?
Because it's in trouble,
Because it's our home.
Because it's our responsibility.
Because we love it.
Because we can.
"What actions do we need to change?"
Ummmm....
What would you say?
The small things.
The everyday things.
Public Policy.
People's habits.
Big Business.
ARGH!
We need to change the things that we can control...
"Re-cycling?"
YES
"Picking up rubbish?"
YES
"Being careful with water in the shower?"
YES
"THAT'S IT?"
It's a start.
Also - spending time outside every day, so you can feel connected to the earth, to the air, to the trees and water.
The more you love the earth, the more you find ways to look after it so it lasts a long time.
"OK mommy, I think I get it. But I think Earth Day should be every day"
GULP.
How do YOU celebrate Earth Day? Tell us on FACEBOOK.
IN HONOR OF EARTH DAY -
A book to read:
BOOK: EAARTH, by Bill McKibben. This is not your father’s Earth. Climate change has already permanently altered our landscape. “This is the current inventory: more thunder, more lightning, less ice. Name a major feature of the earth’s surface and you’ll find massive change,” McKibben says.A sobering but ultimately optimistic look at where we stand now, and what Bill McKibben thinks we should do about it.
Some gorgeous visuals to remind you of the immensity of our beautiful planet:
MOVIE SERIES: EARTH, A NEW Wild (PBS). The earth as it really is, with humans in the picture. Episodes include "Home", PLains" "Forest" "Oceans" and "water". Stunning, immersive cinematography, worth a watch!
VIDEOS: Life On Terra (on Itunes or at their website)
Now in its 10th season, LifeOnTERRA is the award-winning science and natural history podcast series that explores the natural connections that propel life on Earth. Overseen by graduate students in the MFA in Science and Natural History Filmmaking Program at Montana State University, TERRA distributes independently produced science, nature, and environmental films. We are proud to bring you these unique stories from around the globe that celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Since TERRA’s inception, our thought provoking films have reached over ten million viewers. With each new episode we feature powerful storytelling that showcases the diversity of our planet.
And - some apps (I use them regularly) to inspire you, and help being outside even more fun...:
SOCIAL NETWORKING WITH A DIFFERENCE: The YONDER app...
Yonder is a community of explorers and wanderers, of climbers and bikers, of skiers and hikers, sharing their love for the outdoors every day. Post pics of where you are in nature, find photos of other people - all on an interactive map with activity references. Very cool. Look for Happier Outside on there! We post regularly!
APPS FOR GETTING OUTSIDE, AND INTERPRETING YOUR ENVIRONMENT:SKY GUIDE, WIND METER, GARDENING CALCULATOR, and ALL TRAILS.
Happy Earth day to YOU.