Today is 'World Environment Day' and 'Arbor Day'! It's a great reason to get out there and do something to help our environment, whether it's catching the bus, biking to work, planting trees, tidying up trees, picking up rubbish on a bush track, beach, park or along the road; every little bit helps!
World Environment Day
World Environment Day is the United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote action on national environmental issues.
World Environment day is a day for people to do 'something' to take care of the Earth or become an agent for change. We can act locally, national or globally; as in individual or as a group.
This year's theme is ‘Beating Air Pollution’, where everyone is called on to reduce air pollution, here's some things we can do:
- Use public transport or car sharing, cycle or walk
- Turn off the car engine when stationary, or better still look into purchasing hybrid or electric car
- Reduce consumption of meat and dairy to help cut methane emissions
- Compost organic food items and recycle non-organic trash
- Switch to high-efficiency home heating systems and equipment
- Save energy: turn off lights and electronics when not in use
Arbor Day
Arbor day is the day of the year when people are encouraged to plant and care for trees. The first arbor day was in USA in 1872 when a Julius Morton began a large scale planting of trees to beautify his town and encouraged others to do the same. It took off and now many countries observe this day as a special day to plant and tend to trees.
Arbor Day is an excellent opportunity to take stock of the trees on your property and plan for the future. Inspect your trees, note any broken branches or evidence of disease or insect infestation. Think about how planting new trees might improve the look of your property or provide wind or heat protection.
This arbor day get involved in a local reserve native tree planting initiative! There are plenty of events happening around the country you could take part in, search online.
