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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Earth Day 2020 will be different. Even though public gatherings are off the table, that doesn’t mean we can’t take meaningful action. In fact, the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day on April 22 presents opportunities to do more than we’ve ever done before, right at home.
Plan and plant a garden
Since social distancing became the norm, people who have yards are returning to them in droves. Mail-order seed companies are seeing huge spikes in sales as consumers look to make contactless purchases. Many people are taking up gardening for the first time to relieve stress and anxiety. Simply enjoying a garden from afar can be therapeutic, and a large space isn’t required.
Plant Virginia native plants, and you’ll also be helping native pollinators. Native plants provide the best food and habitat for wildlife. Habitat loss is a huge factor in the decline of many pollinator species.
DCR’s Virginia Native Plant Finder is a great tool for picking out regionally native trees, shrubs and perennials. Also check out the free, downloadable landscape plans available through the Plant More Plants campaign.
The Virginia Native Plant Marketing Partnership offers even more resources.
Even if you can’t get to a garden center to purchase plants, you can start planning now. The best season to plant trees and shrubs in Virginia is fall.
Clean up your yard act
Every year, millions of pounds of nitrogen and phosphorous are applied to Virginia lawns as lawn fertilizer. The nitrogen and phosphorous that is not immediately absorbed by the soil or taken up by plants eventually reach tributaries through stormwater runoff.
Resolve on Earth Day to do right by your local stream. Consult a Virginia Master Gardener for advice on environmentally friendly lawn care practices. DCR also connects Virginians with lawn care professionals through the Green and Clean initiative. Listed companies have committed to using responsible practices that protect water quality.
“Responsible yard care is so important because, when managed properly, our landscapes can be tools to slow stormwater, provide habitat and abate pollution,” said Nick Yakish, a DCR staff member who helps coordinate the Green and Clean initiative. “A properly fertilized landscape will enable plants to provide these services in their greatest capacity.”
Ditch plastic
While staying at home, you may have noticed trashcans are filling up faster than usual. It makes sense as we’re cooking more meals at home and shopping for more groceries. Think about the packaging for all the foods you buy. Much of it is plastic, which has become a huge problem for the environment, especially our oceans. The top items collected during the 2017 International Coastal Cleanup were food wrappers, beverage bottles, grocery bags, straws and takeout containers. Much of this cannot be recycled and doesn’t break down like other materials.
Graphic courtesy of NOAA
On Earth Day, keep count of all the plastic you use in a 24-hour period. Once you’ve determined how much you use, look for ways to cut back. It may be easier than you think. Ask restaurants not to include plastic utensils in your takeout order. Replace plastic straws with reusable stainless steel ones — or use no straw at all. Store leftovers in glass containers instead of plastic. The main thing is to assess your use of plastic and move gradually in a more sustainable direction.
Yes, this Earth Day will be different. Even as we distance ourselves, we have the opportunity to stand as one, unified world for a common purpose — the planet we all share. By acting on our own, together, we can change the world for the better.
Earth Day is every day, and anywhere you are.
Categories
Conservation | Natural Heritage | Soil and Water Conservation
Tags
native plants
