April 22 has been recognized as Earth Day since 1970. It was started by U.S. Senator and Governor Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. The day has grown from a small event to an international movement recognized in 192 countries. Earth Day is a time to celebrate nature and focus on protecting the environment.
Paganism and Earth Day
Paganism is a religion that is closely connected to Earth Day; it is sometimes defined as an earth-based spiritual belief system. Pagans believe in the veneration of nature and that the Earth is sacred. A number of their rituals are centered on the lunar and solar cycles. The many Pagan deities represent the planet’s diversity. Some ways Pagans celebrate Earth Day include:
- Practicing Sacred Gardening
Pagans often consider gardens magical places since they facilitate new life. One Earth Day project is to plant a garden with flowers that only bloom at night, in celebration of the moon. Some examples are night gladiolus, moon flowers and night bloom water lilies.
- Holding Land Rituals
Land rituals are another means for honoring the environment. These can be as simple as getting a group of friends together and holding hands around a tree. You can also sing a song or observe a moment of silence. Some people like to also leave offerings such as fruit, vegetables, birdseeds and bread. Using items that easily decompose or will be quickly consumed by wildlife is advisable.
- Planting Trees
Trees are one of the great symbols of life. They have a tremendous impact on the environment since they produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the air. Trees also help create peaceful and serene settings, and they may help reduce noise by absorbing sound. Even city-dwellers can plant trees if they have access to a small amount of green space. Planting trees is a way to celebrate the earth. The act can also be an ideal means for memorializing someone who has died.
Simple Ideas for Going Green
There are many easy ways to adopt a greener lifestyle:
- Reusable Grocery Bags
Bringing your own grocery bags when you shop is an easy green activity. In California, reusable grocery bags are no longer optional. A law was signed by the governor banning plastic bags at all stores by 2016. Some businesses already charge shoppers 10 cents per bag if they forget. Put the bags back in your car after you empty them so you have them for the next trip.
- Don’t Drive
Using alternative means of transportation, including buses, bikes and walking, is another environmentally friendly practice and can be a form of exercise. A number of cities are purchasing buses that run on electricity in order to demonstrate their commitment to going green, and they save money on gas in the process.
- Recycle
Recycling is getting easier in many parts of the country. Plastic, glass, aluminum and paper can all be recycled. Avoiding products that come in non-recyclable containers is a good way to communicate it is important to be conscious of one’s environmental impact.
- Try Composting
Composting involves recycling food scraps and items like paper towels. Put them in a separate container and they will eventually decompose into nutrient rich soil. Composting diverts waste from landfills and can reduce methane levels, which contribute to climate change.
- Limit Water Use
Some ideas for reducing water consumption are to turn it off when you brush your teeth and to take showers instead of baths. Energy efficient toilets and shower heads can also help cut water use. Consider planting xeric shrubs and flowers that need less water instead of maintaining a lawn that requires a sprinkler system
Earth Day is a good occasion to be more conscious of how to live a greener lifestyle. However, the other 364 days of the year are just as important.