Earth Day Actions for the Health of our Communities & Environment

Over the past month, necessity has called us all to action and challenged us to create new norms. Here at Friends our mission remains unchanged. Taking care of our planet, our family, and our community remain our guiding principles and with that in mind here are a few Earth Day action items for you.

Many grocery stores are asking customers not bring reusable bags into stores for sanitary reasons. Here’s a solution! Bag at the car with your own bags like Katie.

EARTH MONTH PLEDGE

April 22, is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! For this special celebration we joined with the Stewardship Network in asking our community to make an Earth Month Pledge. Whether it’s picking up trash, saving energy, or reducing plastic use in a creative way, you can take action that makes a difference. If you’re on social media, please post any action you take with the hashtag #EarthMonthPledge or email Katie a picture to share.

You can also join Earthday.org in their EARTH DAY LIVE 2020 digital event where there will be calls to action every hour.

As you take time to observe and reflect upon our natural environment, please give yourself some credit for actions that you have already done for planet earth and consider what more you can do to make a positive, lasting impact beyond this month because every day is Earth Day.

FAMILY

We know there are a lot of new routines and challenges; we hope there are some bright spots too. There is a peace in observing nature, so step outside together and reflect on protecting what you love. Here are just a few resources to help inspire you and your family in the wonders of the Salish Sea:

Nature Poems for Kids from Rhymings.com

The Seattle Aquarium’s Activities and Information for Kids 

SeaDoc Society’s Junior SeaDoctor’s Program 

COMMUNITY

While we remain grateful to carry on our work and focus on our mission at Friends, we are also dedicated to the well-being of our communities. Our staff and board live on four different islands. We call on neighbors, run errands, and help where it’s needed most.

Here is one simple way you can support a local business and senior centers. Jenn Rigg has created island specific “virUS” shirts. Click here to purchase this shirt, proceeds will benefit community senior programs on San Juan,  Orcas, and Lopez Islands.

We also want to make sure you are aware of the Community Response Hub resources that offer support in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you need assistance, want to donate, or can offer volunteer services, these websites are a great place to get information on San JuanOrcas and Lopez Islands.

Protect what you love. Stay safe, be patient, find inspiration, and maintain good health. 

I have supported the mission of the Friends of the San Juans through the years because it is a citizen-advocacy organization devoted to protecting, preserving, and restoring the natural shorelines and native habitats in the San Juans and surrounding waters through science and education for generations to come.

Bob Porter

member, Lopez Island