We are inspired by the optimism and energetic call to action by the Earth Day Network organizers, as expressed on the official website in preparing for the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2020 –

“The world needs you and your actions….There is much you can do to help protect and restore our planet, from joining a cleanup or climate strike, taking part in the world’s largest citizen science initiative, to hosting an event in your own community…”

“Earth Day 2020 can be the catalyst that galvanizes an unparalleled global collaboration.”

As we learn more about the history of Earth Day, which started by the actions of just three people, leading to 20 million Americans (10% of the US population at the time) lending their voice and their actions for the inaugural Earth Day on April 22, 1970, and growing over fifty years to a movement that now involves 1 billion people worldwide in 193 countries, the longstanding global Event is truly awe-inspiring we feel. This history,  impact and growing reach holds much promise for realizing this year’s goal that indeed “Earth Day 2020 can be the catalyst that galvanizes an unparalled global collaboration” to protect and restore our planet.

Let’s join forces with one billion global citizens who care. In our personal and local spheres of influence, on April 22^nd, let’s assert our influence, in whatever way is personally meaningful and relevant, and take personal action, united with fellow global citizens for Earth Day 2020’s common theme of “climate action.” Who knows – with enough momentum worldwide, maybe Earth Day 2020 will be just the tipping point we all need. We won’t get there by holding back….unless of course, it’s green house gas emissions we’re curtailing!

Read more about the Earth Day Network’s vision for change at: https://bit.ly/39IlauT and their mission for all to benefit, at https://bit.ly/2SCicCl.

John Heritage, one of three founding members of the first Earth Day in 1970, shares his thoughts and aspirations for Earth Day 2020 here, https://bit.ly/2HDgFWg.

Readers may want to learn more about Earth Day Network’s successes across fifty years, including 2.6 billion acts of green, https://bit.ly/37GFfQS.

Our first post and overall blog purpose focuses on Why Trees Matter. Watch this three minute video clip by Greta Thunberg and George Montbiot on the same topic – https://bit.ly/2P40a9O.

Maybe video games and Hollywood are more your thing. Fan of Matt Damon? Hear how he and other celebrities such as Danny Devito, lend their voices through Champions for Earth – Angry Bird Friends, on this quick video clip – https://bit.ly/2wwJzW5.

We’ve brainstormed some ideas that you may wish to consider as you make your personal plans for marking Earth Day 2020 on April 22, 2020 –

Some Suggestions for Possible Earth Day 2020 Personal Action

Take a moment for yourself and to appreciate Nature’s offerings to us all. Breath in deeply.

Survey your surroundings and stop for a moment to look at, e.g., a tree bud, the blue sky, a bird in flight.

Plant a tree, gift a tree, tribute a tree.

Learn about the Earth Day Network Tree Canopy Project at https://bit.ly/2uO0KSv and/or how you might get involved in supporting your local municipality’s tree canopy projects.

Plan your spring garden. Start germinating those tomato and pepper seeds.

Learn more about trees that are very efficient “carbon sinks,” tree species that contribute needed diversity in your region and/or about tree pollinators, trees, soil, ecosystems, and low carbon foods and production methods.

Check out Earth Day Network’s world map and event list https://bit.ly/2V1VSnd.

Check out Earth Day Canada’s event list https://bit.ly/325n5XE   and  at https://bit.ly/3bRXy8K.

Check out opportunities to participate in local Earth Day 2020 activities in your community. In Toronto, these include, for example, free “family friendly, earth ball making workshops” at the Gardiner Museum on April 22 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/2uWxhWn, various activities on April 25 from 12 pm to 4 pm at the Toronto Botanical Gardens (e.g., helping to plant the teaching garden, tours of the ravine), and a whole day of Earth Day activities on Sunday, April 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Downsview Park, e.g., nature art activities, campfire singalongs, live music, meet a beekeeper, free book swap and more, https://bit.ly/2ubZTL1.

In Edmonton, learn more about ‘forest bathing’ on April 21 at Spruce Grove’s Kiwi nurseries’ Intro to forest bathing https://bit.ly/2SDyGdm.

Or, perhaps read an article or a report. Do some online research into a topic that interests you.

Deepen your understanding about global warming and climate change, including what scientists identify as  impactful actions that individuals, groups, corporations and governments can do to make a difference. Some websites to get started on, include, for example, Suzuki Foundation Climate Solutions https://bit.ly/2P4zq9t, UN Climate Change https://bit.ly/2v0pFSC, The International Council for Science and Climate Change https://bit.ly/2vKV6AF and Nasa: Global Climate Change at https://go.nasa.gov/38KKIXY.

Have your say. Let your voice be known, by, for example, joining a campaign and/or emailing your elected representative of Parliament to let them know your views and priorities for government investments on Canada’s climate action plan. For example, letter writing tips are offered in the Take Action section of the Suzuki Foundation Climate Solutions website at https://bit.ly/2V2NR1q and various campaign links are profiled on Earth Day Network’s official site https://bit.ly/37K7z4E.

Calculate your carbon footprint using this carbon calculator  https://bit.ly/2SHd1Bb or one of the others in our Blog’s Resources section, and consider steps you might take to reduce it.

Calculate your carbon “foodprint” using one of these three calculators and decide what if any action you might be motivated to take to reduce food-related carbon emissions based on this new information and awareness https://bit.ly/3bLceXz. Low carbon tips to eating choices are offered here https://bit.ly/2HBMwH0.

Enlist a buddy and start to plan your own Earth Day 2020 event. Join EarthRise and receive updates and download the free Earth Day 2020 posters and logos available at https://bit.ly/2P5Wg0l.

Register your event so others may know about it at https://bit.ly/39O3GwW.

Add a shout out or comment to our Blog and let other Readers know your ideas for marking Earth Day 2020.  Together, let’s join forces with one billion other concerned global citizens on April 22, 2020 to show our children, our grandchildren and all the young people in our lives that we care about their futures, and that each one of us matters and our individual and collective actions can make a difference!

Next week’s Blog post will start to feature specific trees. We invite you to let us know about your favourites. Some of ours are birch, oak, white pine, sequoia and eucalyptus trees.

We are intrigued to learn that there is such a thing as Celtic Tree Astrology. You might want to check this fun link to see whether your “tree personality” is, for example, Birch – The Achiever, Ash – The Enchanter, Hawthorn – The Illusionist, or Willow – The Observer. Enjoy! https://bit.ly/37H1sOw.