This month marks the 48th anniversary of Earth Day, celebrated around the world on Sunday, April 22. Established in the 1970s when citizens drew attention to a healthy, sustainable environment, Earth Day has grown to highlight environmental and clean energy efforts.
Today, we turn our focus to the seemingly small activities we can undertake to make a larger impact in our communities for the betterment of our world.
Plant a tree
Trees - a well-known motif of Earth Day - sustain life, while beautifying our communities. Planting a tree is something that can be appreciated for generations to come.
We are in the process of planting 70 new trees in our nationally recognized Arboretum to replace the trees lost in bout of severe weather in the fall. These replantings symbolize our commitment to our environment and to the future as we tend to the overall purpose of the Milliken Arboretum.
Volunteer
Earth Day Network, the organization that leads Earth Day worldwide, announced that Earth Day 2018 will focus on mobilizing the world to End Plastic Pollution. Support these efforts by volunteering to clean up plastic pollution on Earth Day, and by choosing to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics in your daily life.
Explore the benefits of solar power
Touting benefits such as low maintenance, high performance and cost savings, solar power is an emerging trend in the architecture industry that contributes to a healthier environment with a low carbon footprint. It also has practical, family-friendly applications - such as sun s’mores.
Seek out a local celebration or event
With Earth Day falling on a Sunday, many cities will celebrate with local community events. For example, the Spartanburg community will hold an annual Earth Day Festival - partially supported by Milliken community partner, the Chapman Cultural Center - with musical entertainment, student artwork and local exhibitors coming together in support of Earth Day.
Inspire future generations
At Milliken, we value the contributions the younger generations will make on our future and on our Earth’s future. With a host of kid-friendly avenues centered on sustainability topics - from eco-friendly toys to garden projects to trips to the local farmers’ market – encourage children to make an impact this Earth Day.
Discover more ways to celebrate Earth Day 2018, and learn about a lasting sustainable world here.
