Happy Earth Day, fellow Earthlings! This blue and green planet does so much for us, let’s take some time to something for it. We’ve compiled five easy ways to help out Mother Nature, today or any day!
1. Litter Clean-Up
It’s time to get down and dirty. Grab some gloves, a bag for trash, a bag for recycling, and if you’re really feeling earthy, a container for composting. Head to your local park, the sidewalk outside your house or if you’re feeling really bold, along major traffic routes. If you choose to pick up along major traffic routes, please use caution, wear reflective and bright clothing and always remember to stay out of the roadways. We wouldn’t recommend this one for children. If you have littles, stick to the parks and sidewalks!
Recognize any of those people? The Veridian Homes team, and our trade partners, recently did a massive litter clean-up in our neighborhoods. In total, there were about 100 volunteers out and about! While we always do our best to eliminate construction debris, we know that sometimes things can get blown away, and this is why we like to do this each year. The team did note that most of the trash collected was likely from neighborhood trashcans being tipped over during heavy winds.
2. Plant A Tree
If you have the means to plant a big tree, we say go for it! However, planting a seedling is just as beneficial, easier and cost-effective. Hey, if you join the Arbor Day Foundation, they’ll even send you 10 free trees. Arbor Day is coming up on Friday, April 29, be on the lookout for local organizations offering up free seedlings to celebrate!
3. Sow Some Seeds
Head to your favorite, local garden center and pick up a few seed packs. This is an inexpensive way to add some color to your yard or garden! I really like using this seed starting container, if you’re in the market for one. However, almost any container will do, just make sure that the water can drain through the soil.
Also, be on the lookout for native plant sales. These sales are wonderful, as you know the plants will take within our zone. In Dane County, check out the UW-Madison Arboretum’s 2022 Native Plant Sale, happening on May 14, 2022 from 10am to 2pm. And, in the Milwaukee area, check out the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Native Plant Sale on June 5, 2022 from 9am to 1pm.
4. Take A Bike Ride
Put some air in those tires, grab your helmet and a water bottle, and get pedaling! Eliminate your carbon footprint for the day and choose your bike over your car. Or, just get out and enjoy the plethora of local bike trails to choose from.
In Dane County, check out Badger State Trail, Capital City State Trail and Military Ridge State Trail. In the Milwaukee area, visit Lake Country Trail, Oak Leaf Trail or Bugline Trail. For more Madison area trails, click here. For more Milwaukee area trails, click here.
5. Start Composting
This is something that I have been meaning to do for a long time, but it keeps getting put on the back burner. I found you some really great composting tips via Earthy Easy. However, if you are like me, and the idea seems a bit daunting, there are several local services that will do the hard work for you, for only a few bucks.
In the Madison area, be sure to check out Curbside Composter and Green Box Composting. In the Milwaukee area, try Waste Not Compost or Compost Crusader. All of these services provide you with a container to fill with compostable items on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, then you set it by the curb and they pick it up and turn it into farm-friendly compost. It’s a win-win!
So, how will you celebrate Earth Day? Remember, that these tips don’t just apply to today, you can celebrate Mother Nature any day!
