Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

People around the world celebrate Earth Day, opens a new window every year on April 22. But every day is Earth Day at Arapahoe Libraries!

"In nature, nothing exists alone."
-Rachel Carson, 1962

Here are some easy ways the library can help you take part in the celebration of our planet!

1. Learn about energy conservation. Did you know the library has many resources you can borrow to help you learn more about energy efficiency?                                
   • Nokero Solar Lightbulb: Check out this solar lightbulb and find out where you can fit portable solar lighting into your life. You can use it for reading, camping, socializing and more.
   • Explore books and media about energy conservation available from the library for adults and children alike.
   • Check out a state parks pass and get out a see all the amazing places we have to protect.
2. Plant. Plant in your yard or create a balcony garden. It's fun and good for the environment!                                
   • Plant a tree with help from Planting Your Trees and Shrubs. Find out what trees are perfect for the Front Range, opens a new window from your neighborhood garden center.
   • Plant flowers and vegetables with help from Plant Grow Harvest Repeat or for tiny spaces, check out The Postage Stamp Vegetable Garden.
3. Compost/Recycle/Reuse. Composting and recycling are pretty easy whether you want to use a curbside compost service or start your own compost bin in your backyard.                                
   • Compost City gives you tips for composting in small spaces or try Composting for a New Generation.
   • If you don't have pickup recycling service, there are many drop-off locations you can find using Google. Many stores, like Target, opens a new window, even offer small drop-off recycling stations, and many retail stores offer recycling for plastic bags, opens a new window. Learn more about recycling, including what those numbers on containers mean, at How2Recycle, opens a new window.
   • Shop with reusable bags. You can even make your very own reusable bag with the sewing machines in The Makerspace.
4. Buy locally-grown foods. Join a co-op or visit a farmers markets.                                
   • Visit Colorado Co-op, opens a new window to find a co-op near you that benefits Colorado communities.
   • Find a Colorado Farmers Market, opens a new window.
5. Welcome animals to your yard! Make your yard inviting for birds, bees and butterflies.                                
   • What's All the Buzz? Start your own beehive with these tips from a beekeeper. If you just want to attract them to your yard, plant bee-friendly flowers like beebalm, goldenrod, lavender and sage. And don't kill those dandelions, bees love them.  Learn more about why dandelions are more than just a weed.
   • Get birdy with a birdfeeder or even a birdhouse. 
   • Have a beautiful butterfly garden by planting milkweed, goldenrod and zinnea.
6. Ride your bike instead of drive.                                
   • Ride your bike to the library and lock it up with one of our bike locks, available for a 12-hour checkout (available at Castlewood, May, Sheridan, Smoky Hill and Southglenn).
   • Does your bike need a tune up? Stop by and use one of the bike repair stations at Castlewood or Sheridan Library.
7. Donate your items. Share with others and get organized at the same time.                              
   • Marie Kondo and other professional organizers will help you say goodbye to the clutter with this list of great home organization books.
   • Drop off your donations at Goodwill, ARC or other local thrift store. Some organizations, like the Vietnam Veteran's of America, opens a new window, will even pick up your items from your doorstep.
   • Try organizing a clothing swap or getting on a neighborhood social group to share your items.

These are just a few ways to celebrate Earth Day and there are a million more. And don't forget, every day is Earth Day! How will you be celebrating?