Hello NJSWEP members and friends,
Happy Earth Day week! We hope this message finds you and yours well – a wish that we have heard often, but rings truer than ever these days.
Like many of you, we are trying to make the most of this new COVID-19 way of living and, although we have had to put our usual lineup of events on hold, there are ways that we can remain active and engaged while complying with stay-at-home and social distancing rules. One such way, especially this week as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, is to give back to the environment.
For me, and probably many of you, the outdoors has always provided a welcome escape; a peaceful retreat from the stress. Perhaps never more so than now, when a walk around the block on a sunny day, after hours of juggling homeschooling and endless work requests, truly feels like a gift. So, let’s give back to the environment, in whatever way feels right for you.
My family and I are building our first garden. We have tiny little carrot, chard, and beet seedlings sprouting on our windowsill. We also plan to pick up trash near the woods at the end of our street (taking all proper safety precautions, of course). There are plenty of other (and perhaps better) ideas out there. It need not be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. You may have ideas of your own but, in case not, here are a few:
- Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- Start a backyard compost
- Buy more local and/or organic foods
- Purchase eco-friendly products (such as a bamboo toothbrush or clothing from recycled materials)
- Plant a native tree or plant
- Use less plastic
- Use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug
- Keep Tupperware and stainless-steel utensils in your car to use for leftovers and takeout
- Decline a straw when ordering a drink in a restaurant
- Bring your own bags when you go shopping
To stay connected, we’d love to see your faces and how you chose to celebrate Earth Day! Snap a few photos and email them to me (nicole.sullivan@basf.com). We’ll create an NJSWEP DIY Earth Day e-scrapbook with your photos.
Sincerely,
Nicole Sullivan, NJSWEP Co-Chair
