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How to Get Ready for Earth Week 2021

How to Get Ready for Earth Week 2021
As some of you may already know, Earth Week and Earth Day are fast approaching for the later half of April. The specific dates are April 19th-25th with Earth Day taking place on April 22nd. With the trees and flowers blossoming, and the skies clearing up, there’s really no better time of year for us to reflect on the beautiful place we call home.More importantly, examining the effects that our occupancy has on it, and has had throughout history. 

 

Last year (April 2020) was actually Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, if you can believe it. If times were more ordinary, hundreds of thousands of people would usually be marching and picnicking on 5th avenue in New York. 

 

Brief History

Earth Day was pioneered in 1970 through a collaboration of government entities and local communities to act on the environmental movement. To this day, 1 billion individuals mobilize for action yearly with over 190 countries engaged. Now, it’s widely recognized as one of the biggest secular observances in the world. 

In honor of the event, American Backcountry has partnered with Leave No Trace during their launch of #LeaveNoTrash. The movement encourages communities nationwide to get outside, pick up some trash and post their efforts to social media. Ways that workplaces can get involved include engaging staff by hosting in-person or virtual employee clean ups!

Check out the infographic shown below to show how you can safely engage in #LeaveNoTrash - be sure to use that hashtag and also tag @LeaveNoTraceCenter! 



It’s easy, really:


1) Bring Your Own Cleanup Kit

Gloves, hand sanitizer, trash bags, you name it: pack it all. Prep for potentially disposing of trash at home. In the case of traveling, it helps to line your trunk with a tarp for easy, mess free transport. 


1) Stay Safe

If you’re mobilizing with a group, be mindful of capacity limits in certain areas. While it is awesome, in thought, for tons of folks to unite over our love for the planet, current times complicate matters. Social distancing and masks are a must here, as always. Additionally, if you’re questioning the health risks of certain, questionable looking trash, just leave it or flag it for a pro to nab. 


3) Rally Friends and Family

Spread the word to those who haven’t ever participated or celebrated Earth Day. It’s a great, productive way to spend time outside with loved ones, and a greater way to meet people (at a distance). 


4) Post Your Progress

Inspire others to tap in by posting on social media - in today’s age it’s a great way to show that you care and are willing to get your hands dirty for mother nature. Don’t forget to tag @LeaveNoTraceCenter and #LeaveNoTrash!


The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics provides innovative education, research and skills to help people care for the planet. Working with representatives who manage public lands, as well as the general public, they focus on education as opposed to costly restoration programs and access restrictions. 


Their work spans a number of critical environmental tasks such as: Removing trash from natural areas, helping prevent water pollution, protecting wildlife and educating the youth.


Their “7 Principles” framework makes it easy for everyone to stay mindful of how they can reduce their environmental footprint, and is as follows:


  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly 
  4. Leave What you Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors 

For more information on the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, see their site: https://lnt.org/


For additional details on Earth Day, see the official website here: https://www.earthday.org/

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