Happy Belated Earth Day!
Apr 28th, 2010 by Kathy
Well, last Thursday was Earth Day; but I’m just getting around to writing about it. That’s because I was off last week (way off!), and, like the butcher who backed into his meat grinder, I got a little behind in my work!
I really wanted to acknowledge it, though, because it was the “Big 4-0” for the Blue Marble’s celebration, which was established on April 22, 1970. Luckily, there’s still plenty of time to say “Happy belated Earth Day!” After all, even though it’s official on only one day, its purpose is to make us all more aware of the many ways in which we can be kinder to the planet throughout the year(s).
Furthermore, many areas observe Earth Week, during which, they sponsor environmentally-beneficial activities. For example, a lot of communities organize volunteers to clean and beautify their neighborhoods. In fact, I was a part of one of these groups in my town last Saturday. Every year at this time, we meet at the gazebo in the main park, then go around picking up trash and putting it into waste receptacles.
We also sweep sidewalks, clear rubbish from the river banks, paint, and plant flowers and trees. Because these tasks are spread over several weekends, it’s more like Earth Month. No matter how you look at it, working for the welfare of this world is always a timely thing; and there are countless measures that we can take to improve its status, many of which are nearly effortless.
For example, take litter (please!). There’s just no reason for it. It’s the easiest problem to solve, yet garbage is everywhere – on city streets, along highways, and in wooded areas; and, now, it seems that even public parks are getting messier. Instead of having a relaxing cookout, you often have to clean up the picnic tables and pavilions after reckless revelers have left their trash lying around, even though the entire area is surrounded by waste receptacles! In many cases, you’ll also have to clean the grills before you can use them.
Recycling is also simple, yet very important. It includes not only disposing of garbage properly, but buying things that are made from recycled items; and there are all types of goods in this category.
For instance, polywood outdoor furniture, which is absolutely stunning, is constructed largely from recycled plastics. Polywood outdoor dining tables, porch swings, patio chairs, porch gliders, and other pieces of porch furniture, look remarkably like real wood, but come in dozens of colors, and are practically indestructible. You can also find hammocks made from Envirope, which consists of 100% recycled polyester fiber that is derived from discarded pop bottles, yet is as soft as cotton.
The list of eco-friendly merchandise gets more impressive every year. These days, you can even find all sorts of stylish clothing that’s made from hemp, soybeans, water bottles, tires, paper, cardboard, foam cups, and tons of other stuff.
Just think – there may even come a day when everybody will be running around in their Earth Day suits!
Yours Outdoors,
Kathy
I love the little white rocking chair and matching table.