Aloha Learning Endeavors ʻohana and HAPPY EARTH WEEK! This Thursday, April 22nd marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, a day where we try to increase public consciousness about the state of our planet. While we know many of you try to embody the principles of Earth Day in your day-to-day life, such as conscious consumerism, composting, avoiding plastics, recycling, etc. we would like to encourage you to take part in celebrating and caring for our very special planet this week. Below are a couple suggestions of local ways that you can get involved in Hawai'i and beyond.
Earth Day Activities:
If you live in Hawai'i or in a coastal area we have some awesome Earth ay activities that we have compiled for you.
1. If you are looking for a way to contribute alone or with your family while also enjoying the beach, we recommend doing a beach clean up! You can team up with partner organizations like Surfriders or Pacific Whale Foundation, which seek to gather data about the rubbish that you find. Alternatively, you can bring your own supplies (trash bag, gloves, etc.) and download the Marine Debris Tracker app and compile your own data to share globally. Bonus idea! You can even create art out of the marine debris you collect with your family.
2. Buy and use reef safe sunscreen! Coral bleaching is a serious ongoing issue all over the world and in Hawai'i that is contributed to by the use of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate. In 2018 Hawai'i was the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens with these harmful chemicals. This bill will go into effect this year, which is very exciting news!
3. If you are interested in coral reef health we also suggest you check out “Growing Up Fast: A Land-Based Coral Nursery for Restoring Hawaiʻi’s Reefs” a free Zoom presentation on Wednesday April 21st at 5:30 pm HST. The talk will be given by coral specialist Christina Jayne of the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources Hawaii Coral Restoration Nursery who will speak about coral reef restoration. RSVP by clicking here.
4. For those that live on Maui check out the Maui Mall Village Earth Day Celebration on Saturday April 24th from 10 am until 12 pm. Family friendly activities include potting workshop, reef-safe sunscreen education, and local entertainment.
5. If you are looking for some Citizen Science Projects that contribute to the health and conservation of our environment and those that inhabit it head on over to our instagram or facebook page. We have been posting about some really cool opportunities this past month.
6. Go for a bike ride, a hike or whatever active adventure you enjoy to get out in nature!
These are just a few of the many, MANY actions and activities you could take to celebrate our Earth this week and for the weeks to come!