Since 1970, April 22 has been dedicated to thinking about how we can protect, preserve and appreciate the natural world around us. And when the weather is this gorgeous, and we’re finally able to shed our cocoon of winter layers, it’s not hard to do!
The snow and cold temperatures have seemingly been around forever this year, so I’m itching to finally start getting outside on a regular basis. Even seeing the sunlight is a real treat and something to be grateful for. Here’s some inspiration for this weekend if you’re looking for fun ways to celebrate the earth and enjoy the outdoors.
- Have a picnic. I’m a big fan of picnics, if you couldn’t tell. You don’t need to get fancy – just pick up a few snacks, grab an old blanket and head to the park for some al fresco dining.
- Take a walk. A bit obvious, but really, there’s nothing like a long walk to help clear your mind and maybe provide a little inspiration.
- Re-use or recycle something. All those old 5k t-shirts can become a quilt; an empty pasta sauce jar makes a great vase; a fabric shopping bag is a nice alternative to a bunch of plastic ones. You know your bag of plastic bags at home doesn’t need to get any bigger.
- Start a garden (or just a potted plant). If you like to cook, a basil or mint plant not only makes your kitchen or living room prettier, it’s useful. Pick up a potted daffodil or, if you really have a brown thumb, a cactus – or learn how to grow tomatoes.
- Visit a farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets aren’t just for produce anymore. You may encounter baked goods, local meats and eggs, cheeses, honey, syrup, handmade tacos, smoothies, herbs and more. Plus, there are often plenty of free samples to try before you buy.
Learn more about Earth Day at its official website. What are you planning to do this weekend? Share with me!