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Earth Day

4/22/2024 8:30 am

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day 2024, by PAS science teacher Stephanie Kearney

 

On April 22, 1970, 30,000 people gathered at Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park to celebrate the first Earth Day. The event, organized by UPenn students and faculty, was the grand finale of a week-long campaign to promote environmental activism. 

 

This event and thousands of others like it around the country resulted in the creation of the Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts as well as the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency. More than half a century later, Earth Day is celebrated in our city through various park cleanups and environmental initiatives, though no elaborate rallys and concerts are planned (to my knowledge).

 

Perhaps, instead, we can celebrate by making Earth Day more of a way of living - make Earth Day everyday - as they say. As a parent and educator, I feel it is my responsibility to teach children to love and respect the environment and our planet. Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to foster this appreciation. 

We are fortunate to have many natural spaces near our community:

  • The Woodlands Cemetery has a wonderfully wooded 1-mile path along the perimeter.

  • Bartram's Garden is a gorgeous 50-acre public garden (and National Historic Landmark) in Southwest Philadelphia.

  • John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is an urban oasis where you can spot birds, turtles, fish, and walk miles through wooded areas. You won't believe you're still in the city!

  • Penn's Biopond (Kaskey Park) is tucked away on campus just off University Ave. Walk here to see fish, turtles, ducks and beautiful foliage.

  • The Penn Alexander School Garden, while not as extensive as these other options, is a great place to bring your children to enjoy some time among nature.

If you're interested in being more environmentally conscious on the daily, consider reducing your carbon footprint. Here are a few easy ways to start:

  • Participate in PAS clothing swaps to reduce textile waste.

  • Walk or bike to school/work if possible, and do not let your vehicle idle when dropping off and picking up.

  • As the weather gets warmer, keep your home cool by closing windows and blinds during the day, reducing the need for air conditioning.

  • Ditch single-use plastics for common household items. Ray's Reusables is a local shop that is a great first stop for going green in the home. They have a pop-up shop in Clark Park every other Saturday. This jives with the Earth Day 2024 theme of "Planet vs. Plastics."

Other resources for helping Planet Earth: