Happy Earth Day!
“We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees.”
~ Qwatsinas (Hereditary Chief Edward Moody), Nuxalk Nation
Mother Earth, Mother Earth.
Take our seed and give it birth.
Father Sun, Gleam and glow,
Until the root begins to grow.
Sister Rain, Sister Rain.
Shed thy tear to swell the grain.
Brother Wind, breathe and blow,
Then the blade all green will grow.
Earth and Sun and Wind and Rain,
Turn to gold the living grain.
—Eileen Hutchins
Happy Earth Day everyone!
I hope this little list will inspire you to do something good for Mother Earth and all her children. Start small, start anywhere, just start.
1. Release ladybugs in your garden.
2. Start an herb garden and maintain it organically.
3. Go for a bike ride and picnic in a green space.
4. Write a poem. What does the earth mean to you? Show it to teachers, at church, or send it in to the local newspaper.
5. Make a birdbath so our feathered friends have a source of clean water.
6. Participate in a community cleanup; or just walk through your neighborhood with a trash bag and pick up (safe) trash you see along the walk.
7. Make natural soap or shampoo without chemicals. It’s good for your body and good for our waters.
8. Buy something you need at a garage sale or a thrift store, instead of buying a new item at a department store.
9. Symbolically adopt an animal at your local zoo or favorite wildlife conservation organization.
10. Teach your children well. Teach them about stewardship and never be afraid to express your love of nature. Let them see your love of the earth in action.
Blessed be.