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AS THE WORLD RETURNS TO NORMAL, WE CAN’T GO BACK TO BUSINESS-AS- Join the world-wide USUAL. celebration with a variety of From April 20-22, join the world’s leaders for Earth Day 2021. Together, we can prevent the coming disasters of change webinars: and environmental destruction. Together, we can Restore Our https://www.earthday.org/ Earth™. earth - day - live - webinars/ Come back on April 20 for the start of the event, and follow our platforms to join the discussion. The theme of Earth Day 2021 is Restore Our Earth™.

Here is a great website with over 50 Earth Day related activities: https://tinkerlab.com/fifty-earth-day-activities/

Bedtime reads for Earth Day. Listen as an Astronaut from the International Space Station reads virtual bedtime story and how important it is to take care of our Earth. https://storytimefromspace.com/stories/maxgoes-to- the-international-space-station/The long-awaited prequel to the other books in the Science Adventures with Max the Dog series, this installment follows Max on his trip to the International Space Station where he shares in the adventures of astronaut life and helps save everyone from a potential disaster along the way. The book teaches children to see themselves and the planet in a new light and encourages readers to discover how they can help make the world a better place. Accompanying the story of how Max saves the day are numerous “Big Kid Box” sidebars that offer science facts and other pieces of fascinating information. Grown-ups and kids learn about science together with this fun and educational picture book.

Show us how you celebrate. Share, Post, Like on www.facebook.com/northamptonrec RECYCLE…RENEW…RE-USE What do you do to make the planet a better place?

DYI – Here are a few Garden and Crafts ideas that you can recycle and make:

HERB GARDEN

HOSE SPRINKLE

ORGANIZE SMALL GARAGE ITEMS MAKE A PLEDGE TO TAKE ACTION

Write down a commitment and make a plan of two actions that you will follow through with in your daily life.

What Can We Do at Home?

1. Switch to Energy-saving Light Bulbs - The Environmental Protective Agency reports that if every household in the U.S. replaced just one standard incandescent light bulb with an energy-efficient one, the nation would save about $600 million annually in energy costs. 2. Eat More Food from Local Sources - Visit a farmer’s market — or even a local farm — and plan a family dinner using locally sourced ingredients. 3. Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater - Set too high (140 degrees or higher), water heaters can waste up to 5 percent on your heating costs and use. Talk to your kids about timing their showers while you’re at it. 4. Fix Leaks - A leak of one drip per second can waste 259 gallons of water every month, according to the Department of Energy. Do a water audit with your kids and teach them how to tighten up the faucet. 5. Start a Compost Bin - Composting is an excellent way to feed the soil, organisms in the soil and plant life while reducing waste. Teach your family about composting by setting up your first bin together. 6. Keep Reusable Shopping Bags in Your Car - Being prepared with reusable bags is key to reducing a major source of waste — . Have your family buy some plain canvas totes and decorate them with fabric paint to make saving the planet more fun. 7. Use Earth-friendly Products - There are so many more cost-effective, green-friendly options to choose from today. Go through your current cleaning supplies with your family and then go shopping for some earth-friendly supplies — or make your own from ingredients in your own pantry! 8. Turn It Off - It’s not just about saving money on your electric bill (although that’s a nice perk, too). Remember to recommit with your family to turn off lights and electric appliances when not in use. Consider charging family members a quarter (or smartphone time!) each time they forget and see how much quicker they develop the habit. 9. Have a No TV Day - Encourage more time in the fresh air. Plan a family picnic in the park, go for a walk or plan some outdoor games. Think about making it a weekly family tradition! 10. Plant a Vegetable Garden - Start simple by planting some fresh herbs or container plants such as tomatoes. 10 TEDWomen Talks for Earth Day- These informative and inspiring TED talks are on a variety of topical subjects that will make us think, re-evaluate and better understand the global world community.

https://blog.ted.com/playlist-10-tedwomen-talks-for-earth-day/

The Story Of Plastic- A Documentary from the Discovery Channel In Honor Of Earth Day. Hulu launched an Earth Day docu-collection in celebration of the 50th anniversary last year. Here is a link on ways to access viewing. https://www.storyofplastic.org/

NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE- Earth Day 2021- Going Digital! Earth Day is a global celebration encouraging education and stewardship of the planet's natural resources. Whether in a backyard, neighborhood green space, or a magnificent national park, the National Park Service provides opportunities for everyone to discover and enjoy the physical and psychological benefits that come with spending time outdoors. As part of the global theme "Restore Our Earth," the National Park Service is sharing the benefits and work we do with connected conservation.

Earth Day is happening on April 22, 2021, during our annual National Park Week celebration. Join us on social media as we explore the earth sciences and stewardship. Share your Earth Day experiences and favorite memories with parks using #EarthDay and #NationalParkWeek. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/earth-day.htm

Heritage Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and protect our natural and historic heritage. Based in Doylestown, PA, and serving Bucks and Montgomery counties, Heritage Conservancy is committed to being the region’s premier, nationally accredited conservator. We are a community-based organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of significant open spaces, natural resources, and our historic heritage. A champion of conservation best practices, Heritage Conservancy believes that everyone is responsible for stewardship and seeks to enlighten, engage, and empower others to help achieve this mutual vision.

CLEAN WATER FILTRATION

This demonstration shows the value of keeping and plants living in our soil. As soon as we rip out all of the resources we pollute our ground water. This makes it harder and harder to

purify water for us to drink. You can make your own filtration system with a few household items. Read below about the value of reforestation.

Importance of Reforestation:

Reducing in the air

Reforestation is the simplest way to improve the quality of the air we breathe. Plants soak in carbon dioxide from the air, helps in precipitation and lowering surface temperature. If we rapidly lose vegetation the average temperature will continue to rise. Melting will raise the sea-level, and there will be drastic climatic changes.

Fighting global warming Plants help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and significantly decreases the presence of toxic gases like methane. So only through planned reforestation the effects of can be checked and global warming can be reduced.

Restoring Deforestation has been a constant threat to the flora and fauna of any area. We have lost numerous valuable plants and many animals are facing threats to near . Reforestation will not only check environmental but help to preserve wildlife. In addition to the climate benefits, reforestation has the potential to preserve endangered species. A recovering restores loss and degradation and threats to species health.

Erosion and watersheds It is evident that rapid of trees leading to deforestation of large parts of the globe, led to soil . This in turn affected , landslides and flash floods. To reverse this situation, we need reforestation. The roots hold on to the soil and prevent run off of the top soil. This preserves the fertility of the soil. can reverse the damage done by erosion. Reforestation will revive the watersheds which are important aspects of environmental well-being. Coloring Page

Looking for more ideas to celebrate Earth Day at home?

• Parade –https://parade.com/1014585/marynliles/earth-day-activities- adults-kids/ • Get outdoors Working from home is great, but staying inside all day can be monotonous. To help break up your day and boost your mood, breath in some fresh air by going for a hike, walk, or run during your lunch break or in the evening with the whole family.

• Work in your garden Digging your hands in the soil is good for not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. Welcome the spring season by planting native plants, fruits, and vegetables. Visit NativePlantCenter.net to find the perfect native species for your space.

• Start a compost pile Composting your food waste will reduce the amount of waste you send to a landfill, and once it fully decomposes, you’re left with incredibly rich fertilizer you can use in your garden.

• Develop a stormwater runoff plan -design a stormwater runoff plan that will provide tips on how to better manage water running off your property.

• Plant a Native trees and shrubs help provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other critters.

• Go on a walk Take a stroll around your neighborhood and take a trash bag and gloves with you so you can clean up debris along the road or sidewalk.

MORE FUN INFO:

EcoWatch – featured: National Geographic Earth Day Series Provides a Rare Glimpse Into Whale Culture https://www.ecowatch.com/earth-day-whales- national-geographic-2652242569.html

• LOTS OF EARTH DAY CRAFTS IDEAS for children: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/earth-day/900743734145