Hello everyone! 22 April 2020 is Earth Day and this year will mark a special 50th anniversary! Indeed it is significant that this year’s theme is “Climate Action.” With this being a challenging period for humanity, Earth Day is a time to reflect on how each one of us impacts the planet and what we can do to protect and restore harmony in nature. Let’s do our part to make Earth a happier and healthier place to live in! Reflection is key to action and let’s examine the changes that are happening to the Earth right now.

While living inside for the past few weeks, several changes have happened outside for the better. People around the world have shared that they can now see the bottom of canals or large landmarks from the distance of their home due to the lack of pollution and smog. 

The Atlantic talked to several scientists to understand these different changes and how it is going to affect us long term. One Tree Planted also discusses several climate change benefits of the current coronavirus situation. 

Here are pictures of some of these changes: 

Clear skies seen in Delhi for the first time in years. Photo Credit: NYtimes

Cleaned up canals in Venice. Photo Credit: CNN

Now, how can we do our part?

While it is imperative to understand the positive impact to the Earth due to the COVID-19 and social distancing, it is also important to understand how we can sustain some of these changes that are beneficial to the earth, during and after this pandemic. 

Earth Day Network  gives you 11 activities you can do for the planet while stuck inside. SILive  also shares suggestions from green-blogger, Arianna Palmieri, about how people can be environmentally friendly during the pandemic.

Here are a few additional suggestions:

Buy food that lasts a while and compost any food waste you have. Photo Credit: Sven Scheuermeier

Volunteer on Earth Day digitally as the Earth Day Network announces it will be its first year celebrating Earth Day online. Click here for more information. Photo Credit: Glenn Carstens-Peters

Make Disinfectants with citrus fruits. Click here for a recipe and directions. Photo Credit: Han Lahandoe

Plant a wildflower garden. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started. Photo Credit: Martin Kníže

Share what you have and don’t hoard products. Photo Credit: Allie Smith

 

We hope that you are taking the time to appreciate our planet Earth and it’s beauty, as well as staying inside and keeping yourself healthy! After all, as Novelist Wendell Berry said, “The Earth is all that we have in common!” Stay connected with us on social media and let us know how you are being Green during this time!