Land is more than just the ground beneath our feet. In Indian Country, the land is life, medicine and the soul for our communities. That’s why on Earth Day, and all the other days surrounding it, we must do our best to help it thrive. 

Earth Day falls on April 22nd each year. It is designed to spark conversation on the need to take care of the environment. Earth Day 2021 focuses on “Restore Our Earth.” Meaning it is up to each and every one of us to restore the land, not just because we care about the world, but because we live on it. We all need a healthy Earth to support our kids, livelihood, health and happiness. 

Take this week to gather your friends and family to clean up litter, plant trees or simply reflect on the beauty of nature. Some ideas to start include:

• Become a waste warrior: Before you throw something away, think about whether it can be recycled or repurposed. 
• Turn off the lights: Rely on open windows during the day instead of lights. Conserving electrical energy is a great step towards limiting your use of fossil fuels! 
• Shorten water usage: Shutting off the faucet when you brush your teeth can conserve up to eight gallons of water a day. It might seem like it’s everywhere, but clean, drinkable water is a limited resource. 
• Plant a tree: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen for people to breathe. Depending on where they are planted, they can even reduce the need for air-conditioning in the hotter months with their shade.
• Offer your time: Volunteer to pick up trash in your local community. By getting involved and working with others, you’re not just helping the Earth, but bonding with one another!
• Spread the message: Talk to your friends and family about the importance of respecting the Earth.

If you’d like to do more on Earth Day, consider participating in this schedule of events put on by the National Museum of the American Indian. Activities include a cooking demonstration and panels on Youth in Action: Sustainable Agriculture and Building an Agriculture Business in Indian Country. 

Also stay updated this week as we provide an interactive on garbage clean-up, outdoor scavenger hunt and a video on how the outdoors effect both our mind and body. 

A healthy planet is not an option, but rather, a necessity. Let’s take care of it!