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      Celebrating Earth Day in Maine

      Celebrating Earth Day in Maine

      Earth Day was the idea of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin.  He felt that environmental issues and awareness needed to be more prominent in both the media and in politics so he created the first official Earth Day back in 1970. 

      Of course, Earth Day should be everyday.  This year, the official theme is "Environmental and Climate Literacy".  In order to get a bit more literate in this area I'm reading Naomi Klein's "This Changes Everything- Capitalism vs the Climate".  It's not an easy read for me, I tend to like complex mysteries that allow me to escape into a book and this book makes you think.  Another everyday way to celebrate our planet is to get outside and pick up trash.  Noticing all the bits of litter can be very eye opening.  Besides helping to make the earth a tiny bit cleaner you are setting an example for others.  People need to see folks out there not ignoring litter but picking it up. 

      It's nice to get out and about and connect with others on this Earth Day Celebration.  Here's a list of events around the state of ME. 

      MID-COAST MAINE

      JUST EAT IT- A FOOD WASTE STORY

      Sunday April 22 at the Strand Theatre in downtown Rockland

      This event is hosted by Renew Rockland, The Strand and Good Tern Coop.  Check out their Facebook Page for more info.

      EARTH DAY CHORAL CONCERT

      Camden’s Quasimodal Chorus will celebrate the Earth with song.  At the Camden Public Library on Sunday starts at 2:00 and a donation of $10 is suggested.  More info- http://www.librarycamden.org/event/spring-concert-april-2/

      EARTH DAY WORK DAY at MOFGA

      Earth Day Planting Day on Sat April 21 from 9-3 at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity.  More info from MOFGA.

      A WALK FOR MOTHER EARTH

      Sears Island to Belfast on Sat April 21 from 8-3.  Here's a link to the route.

       

      SOUTHERN MAINE

      CELEBRATE SCIENCE & EARTH DAY- WHAT WOULD RACHEL DO?

      This event honors Rachel Carson and is from 10-2 on Sat at the Waterhouse Center in downtown Kennebunk.  More info here-https://www.someplaneteers.org/

      TERRA MATTERS YOUTH CLIMATE SUMMIT

      Sat 9-12 at Hannaford Hall in Portland.  Environmental clubs from Me's high and middle schools will present their projects.  After the event join the march and rally and remember to bring your refillable containers for food and drink.  More info here- http://terramatters.org/

      EARTH FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AT THE PORTLAND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

      Seeds,mud, stories, face painting and more! From 10:30 to 4:30, cost of admission to the museum.  More info- https://www.portlandmaine.com/events/earth-day/ 

      WELLS RESERVE AT LAUDHOLM

      This place is beautiful and on Earth Day there are family friendly events including bird watching, a concert, beach clean-up and more.  https://www.wellsreserve.org/

      A DAY OF MINDFULNESS

      If you'd like to experience peace and quiet head to Nurture Thru Nature Retreat

      starting at 9:30  for singing, chanting, meditation and more peaceful activities.  Check it out- http://www.ntnretreats.com/

      DOWN EAST

      EARTH DAY AT COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC

      Roadside cleanup, picnic lunch, puppet show, e car and a showing of the film 

      "The Story of Stuff".  More info-http://www.coa.edu/calendar/#!event_id/28712/view/event

      I know this list is incomplete- feel free to add any events in the comment section.

       

       

       

      Protect Our Oceans Every Day- Simple Tips to Reduce Plastic Consumption

      Protect Our Oceans Every Day- Simple Tips to Reduce Plastic Consumption

      World Ocean Day 2015 was when I moved from awareness to activism both personally and in business.  Thanks to a FaceBook post by the Lonely Whale Foundation.  It was the handsome face of Adrian Grenier who played Vince on the TV show Entourage that caught my eye.  Of course, there is always that disconnect between a favorite character on a TV show and the actual actor.  In Entourage, Grenier plays an up and coming celebrity who definitely buys into the consumption lifestyle.  It was a pleasant surprise to see him talking about plastic straws  and his passion for the ocean.

      Single use plastic is trashing our oceans

      The truth is our oceans are being polluted with needless plastic.  This includes water bottles, straws, plastic bags, drink cups, coffee lids and balloons.  Everyday items that most of us don't think about using.  The problem with plastic compared to other materials is it really never goes away.  It just keeps breaking down into tiny, little pieces.  Often these pieces look like a tasty morsel to a jellyfish, turtle or seabird.  That's the problem our planet is facing.

      A few simple steps can make a difference.  

      Stop drinking water from plastic bottles- Invest in a reusable water bottle and use it. For more info check out Ban the Bottle

      Refillable water, coffee and drink cups are the way to go. 

      Say "NO" to plastic straws.  We use  500 million straws daily in the USA.  Companies now make stainless steel or bamboo straws both washable and reusable.  Checkout the Strawless Ocean for more plastic straw data. 

      Purchase a refillable coffee cup- You can use a refillable cup anywhere, this includes independent coffee shops, gas station quick shops and even big franchises including Dunkin donuts and Starbucks.  Even the Starbucks in the busy Kennebunk Rest Stop will make whatever yummy coffee drink you want in your refillable mug.

      Skip the lid- if you have to use a single use coffee cup don't use the lid, it's one less piece of unnecessary trash.

      Celebrate naturally- The problem with balloons is the bits and pieces often look like food for hungry critters and the strings often entangle and even kill wildlife.  Our joyous celebrations shouldn't harm wildlife or pollute our planet.  The organization Balloons Blow has over 20 environmentally friendly alternatives to balloons.  My favorites are bubbles and ribbon streamers.  

      I know how hard it can be to make changes.   Sipping from a straw is something we don't think about- you have to make a conscious effort and expect to fail at times.  One of the best ways to move from awareness to activism is to pick up trash.  Next time you are out for a walk or hike, notice what trash is around.  Chances are it's water bottles, fast food cups, lids and straws and other types of connivence foods.  It's actually shocking.  And document your find by taking a picture and posting it with Just Grab Bits and you'll be entered to win cool, eco-friendly prizes including our own plastic free Dulse & Rugosa shampoo bars.

      Start your zero waste journey today- small steps lead to big changes.