Earth Day 2025

 I have been thinking, on this Earth Day, what the impact of my day to day life has on the planet.  I am far from perfect but I have been doing the 'low hanging fruit' of recycling, composting, upcycling, using less for years now.  It is part of my life, and I do try at work but it is challenging in a child care centre, though I have taught children over the years about these principles,  

But there is something that is on my mind, that I know that I don't do well.  I drive.  I drive to work, I drive to local birding hotspots, I drive to far birding hotspots (not usually more than 2 hours) I drive to visit friends and family.  I drive.  I don't have an electric car, I have a 20 year old Honda CRV.  I didn't start driving til I was 40 (23 years ago) then I took public transit, walked or rode my bike.  I would like to commit myself to cycling or walking to birding spots.  I know a very accomplished local birder who rode his bike to every hotspot in Lambton County last year.  I don't think I will accomplish that, but I could certainly bike to places 10 or 20 kms from home, and/or bring my bike to places like the Pinery or Rondeau instead of driving through the provincial or national parks.  Its friendlier to the environment, the wildlife and good exercise, mentally and physically.  I think I can do that.

I do like citizen science and have been participating in projects for the past 30 years or so.  Getting to know my immediate surroundings is good for the brain.  As my role as an educator I bring the children and even other educators along for the ride.  

Something else that I do that I am very proud of.  I garden primarily using plants native to my ecosystem.  I really enjoy this and yes I will grow tomatoes and peas as well, but my front perennial garden is 100 % native.  Right now I have a very small garden , but in the past Ive had extensive gardens and I have learned what works in a home garden and what doesn't.  I garden primarily for pollinators and have attracted many species of butterflies to my tiny little space,  

A couple of weeks ago I cleaned up my local retention pond.  It was really bad and I came out with 6 garbage bags, and I am confused why the town or people who live there didn't do anything about it, but I'm glad I did it, and I would think the birds and wildlife appreciate it too?  

These are small things in the big picture.  I try.  I know I can do better.  


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