Give Mother Nature a Hand: 4 Tips for Doing your Part
If we had to guess Mother Earth’s favorite month, our bets would be on April! With Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day close behind on April 27, there’s plenty to celebrate and lots of opportunity to get outside and into the spirit of service.
Even the smallest steps toward sustainability can make a huge difference, so start doing your part to preserve our planet for future generations.
Here are four ways you and your loved ones can celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day, plus some examples of how our own Holiday Retirement residents are getting in on the fun!
Recycle! Recycle! Recycle!
Whether you’re living in a household that takes out the trash every single day or you’re living alone, this one is a no brainer! Designate recycling bins around the house and start separating your trash by plastics, glasses, paper and ordinary trash. A little extra effort can go a long way, especially if you get neighbors and friends to join in!
Give the world a little extra oxygen (or color)
What better way to celebrate Arbor Day than planting a new tree, flowers or adding to a garden outside? Live in an area with limited green space? Try raised garden beds or planting something small and simple, like herb gardens, to satisfy your green thumb without getting too dirty. Not enough space for a tree? Get together with a group of friends and volunteer in your local community on a tree-planting initiative for the holiday.
Residents at Holiday Retirement’s Bluebird Estates in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, are doing their part on April 21 by prepping the community’s raised garden beds for their gardening extravaganza. Looks like they’re ready for spring!
Gene Adams also shares his greenthumb with residents and passersby of his front porch at Holiday Retirement’s The Westmont in Santa Clara, California. Gene, who worked at a nursery during college, has always had a fondness for plants. He has a number of plants outside his apartment and also tends to hanging plants in the community’s atrium. “Having plants around creates such a positive energy,” said Gene. “And many folks like to come back and check in how the plants are doing!”
Catch a breath of fresh air
Celebrating nature’s two favorite holidays doesn’t only have to be about planting trees and recycling. Even spending a few extra moments outside taking in the beauty of nature can lift spirits and inspire newfound appreciation for our planet. Jump on your favorite hiking trail, take a walk by your favorite lake or find the comfiest park bench within walking distance and breathe in the fresh air. We can promise you won’t regret it!
Look after your furry (and winged) neighbors
We share this planet with some amazing creatures, many of whom are at risk of disappearing. With the help of the World Wildlife Foundation, you can symbolically “adopt” a threatened species and support conservation efforts around the globe. Whether you make it an ecologically conscious gift for a loved one, or adopt an animal near and dear to your own heart, celebrate Earth Day by helping out others who call our planet home.
Don’t have the financial means to adopt a threatened species? Take a page from Richard Wiggins and Francesco Carino’s book! The residents at Holiday Retirement’s Regency Residence in Port Richey, Florida, have taken charge of the community’s gardening and butterfly cage, becoming fast friends along the way. These two are a shining example of how our residents are using their talents for good .
Holiday Retirement communities are full of activities that help residents stay engaged and fulfilled. Find out what else is going on in your local community here.