Although it certainly hasn’t felt like April in Superior
lately, Earth Day (April 22nd) is fast approaching. Earth Day was founded in the U.S. in 1970 as
a day for teaching about the environment by former Wisconsin Governor and US
Senator Gaylord Nelson. The Earth Day
Network organizes Earth Day each year.
If you are interested in doing something for Earth Day, you
can let the world know about your commitment on the Earth Day Network’s website
(here http://act.earthday.org/). We also
have some tips for things you can do to celebrate the Earth this April here:
1.
Plant a tree.
Trees filter air pollutants, decrease heating/cooling needed in your
home, sequester carbon, create habitat for animals and insects, and reduce stormwater
runoff, among many other things.
2.
Install a rain barrel. Rain barrels provide water for lawns/gardens,
reduce stormwater runoff, and lower demand on municipal water supplies. If you’re interested, we’re selling rain
barrels (at cost with tax included) through May 24th. Visit www.ci.superior.wi.us/sale for an order
form and more information.
3.
Replace appliances and fixtures with water and
energy efficient models. When appliances
and fixtures need to be replaced, choose models that will save water and/or
energy; it will also save you money.
4.
Clean up your neighborhood. Pick up dog poop from your yard. Clean up litter, leaves and sticks from the
storm drains on your street. When it
rains, all of these things can be washed into storm drains, leading to water
pollution down the pipe.
5.
Plant a rain garden. This is a little more time intensive than the
other suggestions, but planting deep-rooted native plants in a depression in
your yard can be visually appealing and will also reduce stormwater runoff and
water pollution.
6.
Get inside! Of the Superior Public Library, that
is. You can see artwork by the 5th
and 6th graders who won our “Water is Art” contest beginning April 22nd. You can also learn more about the Earth by
checking out a book; no matter what aspect of the Earth you’re interested in,
there are books to cover it!
7.
Get outside! What better way is there to
celebrate the Earth than to spend some time outside of our built environment?
Spending time in the woods or on the water will remind you just how much you
love living in such a beautiful place.
Scientists have found that spending time in nature is also good for your
health; it can increase immune system function, lower your pulse, lower blood
pressure, and decrease stress.
There are so many other things that you can do to celebrate Earth Day! Don't forget to take a little time to love the Earth this April 22nd. It'll do you and the Earth good!
