Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22, and the official earthday.org theme for 2022 is “Invest In Our Planet.” Located in Central Virginia, the team at Brandermill Woods is delighted that our commonwealth has taken active steps to invest in our planet, including Richmond’s RVA Green initiative to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.
While investing in our planet is typically a job for governments and large organizations, each of us can do our part to leave the world better than we found it. To celebrate Earth Day, consider participating in one of these activities:
1. Plant a tree
One of the best things you can do for the planet is to gather a group of friends and have each person plant a tree as a way to combat deforestation and climate change. If this is not possible, you can donate to the Canopy Project, an initiative committed to planting trees all across the globe. In most instances, a tree can be planted for as little as $1.
2. Take part in a cleanup project
Plan a neighborhood cleanup. Along with helping the environment, it’s also a great way to stay active. You can also join The Great Global Cleanup, a worldwide campaign that organizes and promotes cleaning the environment for a brighter, greener and cleaner planet. Check out the website to find upcoming cleanup projects nearby.
3. Start a home garden
There are a number of ways in which having a garden at home can benefit the environment, from improved air quality to the elimination of carbon dioxide, which can help decrease global warming and prevent soil erosion. Backyard gardens such as those you might find in Brandermill Woods also provide homes for wildlife and attract pollinators that help with the reproduction of other plants.
4. Try “plogging”
This latest fitness activity is a great way to combine exercise with care for the environment. Plogging involves the act of picking up trash along the trail as you jog outdoors. For those who may be walking or biking, the same applies. This month, take a relaxed stroll, jog or run as a group, walk with bags and pick up trash as you go. Recycle what you can and dispose of the rest.
5. Visit earthday.org to read more
Activities to help the earth should not be limited to one day but can be done all year round. Visit earthday.org to learn more about the day and how you can get involved. Happy Earth Day!
