Yes, another holiday is coming up this week.  Earth Day is making its annual appearance on Tuesday, 4/22/25 (because apparently people have to be reminded about which planet they actually live on).

First celebrated in 1970, this was a day created to raise awareness about environmental issues and to encourage the care and nurturing of our natural ecosystems via community projects and political action (the Environmental Protection Agency was also created in 1970 – but who knows how long their days are numbered in today’s DOGE mania).

Personally, I always remember Arbor Day back when I was a wee lad (also coming up this Friday, 4/25/25), but it seems that schools stopped talking about that when Halloween parties and Thanksgiving celebrations (with Pilgrims and Indians) became verboten.  Remember when we were all given a pine tree at school to plant at home? These days, all I ever see is the power company hacking the piss out of any tree that comes within three feet of a power line.  That’s called progress.

Anyway, since it seems as if individuals are going to have to put in the work in order to help good ‘ol Mother Nature, I thought I’d make a few suggestions on some things little peons like you and I can do to try and make a difference.

Plant Flowers for Pollinators

Do you have a dirt spot along a fence or in a far corner of your yard?  Toss in some native wildflower seeds and get some blooms going around your property.  Bees and butterflies are essential to pollinate all of those garden vegetables and fruit trees, and they need all the help they can get, especially since we seem to be digging up farmland and open green space in favor of mega-warehouses around here faster than you can say “overnight delivery.”

Turn Off the Lights

Why does every room in the house have to be blazing with light at night – especially when no one is in there?  This is a pet peeve of mine (yes, my grouchy old man is showing).  If you leave the room, turn off the g&d da#@ lights!  With today’s electric bills, I would think folks would want to save anywhere they can.  Also, if you’re not using that game system or TV in the basement, you should unplug it, as it still draws power, even when not in use.  Just sayin’.

Take A Walk

Want to learn how to appreciate nature?  Get out in it.  Yes, that means you.  Turn off that stupid phone (or leave it at the house) and go for a stroll outside.  Take a moment to listen to the birds, look up in the trees, and feel the breeze and warm sunshine on your face.  You know, a little exercise wouldn’t kill you, and who knows what you might see if your face isn’t buried in some screen 24 x 7.  That gray thing with the bushy tail?  It’s called a “squirrel”.  You’re welcome.

Plant Some Veggies

I don’t mean you have to plow up forty acres with a team of oxen, but how about you start with a small container on your porch or back patio?  Home grown produce not only tastes better, but one also becomes acutely aware of where their food comes from.  Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are easy to grow and don’t take up a lot of space.  Plus, nothing beats vine-ripened vegetables in late July or August.  Trust me, it will taste light-years ahead of any of that junk you buy at the grocery store, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment because you actually grew it.

So, no matter what you celebrate (Earth Day or Arbor Day), take a moment this week and do something for the planet.  You see that piece of trash lying there don’t you?  Well?  Pick it up and toss it in the garbage can.  Jayzus.