Top 10 things you can do this Earth Day!

Earth Day is an event that has been occurring since April 22, 1970. The goal of Earth Day is to motivate individuals to help clean and care for the Earth not just on Earth Day, but every day. At WPNR we encourage you to #GetOutside and enjoy nature, so here are the Top 10 things you can do this Earth Day!

1. Attend WPNR’s Earth Day Event- Party for the Planet!
   Party for the Planet is on Saturday, May 4 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve. There will be face painting, marketplace vendors, exhibitors, fun crafts, food, and more! While attending our Party for the Planet event make sure to check out the Environmental Learning Barn and find out about more programs and summer camps that we offer here.
   
2. Plant a tree.
   Trees serve many benefits to the planet. Providing oxygen and taking in carbon dioxide are two of the most important characteristics that trees have. Trees also have a role with climate control by reducing the effects of the rain, wind, and sun.  
   
3. Purchase a reusable item.
   Purchasing a reusable item helps to reduce wastes such as plastics. Each year more than 35 million tons of plastic pollution is produced. By replacing plastic water bottles, straws, and bags with reusable ones, the amount of plastic waste produced would be cut down drastically.
   
4. Start Recycling!
   A good first step to begin recycling is to learn what items are able to be recycled in your particular community. Most recycling centers accept plastics numbered with a 1 or 2. A few plastic items that cannot be recycled are eating utensils such as forks, spoons, and knives, plastic wrap, straws, and plastic bags. Paper and most cardboard are also recyclable.
   
5. Change your light bulbs to be more sustainable.
   Which light bulb is better; fluorescent or incandescent? Fluorescent light bulbs use significantly less electricity due to the fact that they produce less heat. The less heat emitted the less energy is lost. Fluorescent light bulbs also tend to last longer than incandescent light bulbs.
   
6. Adopt a highway.
   An easy way to adopt a highway is to go to PennDOT’s website. The adoption length is 2 years and you must be 8 years of age or older with an adult 18 years old. Parental permission is also required. All of the supplies such as safety vests, gloves, and trash bags are provided, and each work session covers two miles of roadside.
   
7. Take a walk and discover nature.
   Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve has many trails to explore! The Thicket Trail leads to the Palmer Pond and the bird observation deck. Another fun trail to explore is the Blockhouse Trail. This trail starts from the back patio of the Environmental Learning Barn which leads to the Blockhouse and also leads to the boardwalk. The boardwalk is a great place to look for birds among the wetlands. One more place that is great to explore is the Children’s Nature Explore Area which is a playground for children near the entrance of WPNR.
   
8. Cut down on the meat you eat each week!
   Eating less meat is healthier for our lifestyle and for the planet. Eating a lot of meat increases the risk for obesity, cancer, and heart disease! With an increase in the amount of meat we are eating there is an increase of animals being raised for meat such as cows, pigs, and chickens. With an increased amount of cows, pigs, and chickens there is as much greenhouse gas emissions being released as all cars, trucks, and automobiles combined. Increasing pasture size causes deforestation as well.
   
9. Calculate your Carbon Footprint!
   Your carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released due to the use of fossil fuels. There are easy calculators that are free to use on the internet that can help you assess your carbon footprint. After calculating your carbon footprint you are able to see what areas need improvement to help reduce your carbon emissions.
   
10. Hang up bird feeders.
    ​It is very important for birds to have food sources, especially in the winter months. Setting up bird feeders help birds find food whenever temperatures drop and snow is covering the ground. Hanging up bird feeders will also attract more birds to the area and will provide easy ways to bird.