Farmingville, NY - While many of the events Brookhaven Town was planning for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day have been cancelled, there are still a number of ways residents can celebrate Earth Day on April 22 while still observing social distancing. Here are a few ideas recommended by local environmental groups and EarthDay.org:
50 for 50
Brookhaven Town is partnering with the Seatuck Foundation in observing Earth Day with “50 for 50.” On your own or with your family, clean-up 50 pieces of trash around your home or neighborhood. Please wear gloves and follow social distancing requirements. Post pictures of your clean-up on social media with the hash tag #50For50.
Go Plant-Based and Compost
Try some new plant-based recipes — nonperishable foods, like canned or dry beans and rice, are easy to prepare and nutritious. If you have any produce that has gone bad and you can’t use, try composting. You can compost in a plastic container and store it in your freezer, under the sink, on a balcony.
Reading Over Streaming
Reading is good for the mind, the soul and the planet: A pastime like reading easily replaces streaming, which is notoriously carbon intensive. Since libraries are closed, opt for an e-book through your library’s digital platform.
Make Natural Cleaners and Disinfectants
When trying to fight a virus, cleaning products and disinfectants are our best friends. You can skip harsh chemical sprays in favor of safer alternatives. Homemade disinfectant solutions, sprays and wipes can be made using hydrogen peroxide and alcohol (make sure your mix is 70% alcohol and leave it to dry on its own). White vinegar and vodka are power cleaners, easily cutting through grease and removing mildew, odors, stains and wax buildup. For surfaces that need to be cleaned but not sterile, lemons can also be used to clean non-porous surfaces. Reuse existing spray bottles in your home instead of buying new ones!
Take Stock, and Make Stock
Being stuck at home allows us to take stock of what we already have, and what we don’t need more of. Knowing what you already have can prevent you from making impulse or unnecessary purchases in the future, thus reducing your consumer footprint in the long run. Also, you can use your vegetable scraps to make stock. Throw all your veggie scraps into a pot, add some dried herbs, add water and let them simmer for a few hours. Strain and use this stock to make dishes like ramen, risotto or soup.
Start a Garden exchange
Start a neighborhood garden and seed exchange. Post on neighborhood apps like Facebook, Next door or Repurposed wood can be used for building raised garden beds. To ensure safe social distancing, exchange seeds, wood and dirt by leaving them in front of homes or set up times to exchange them in a safe manner.
Keep Your Body Moving
Social distancing doesn’t mean we have to stay indoors all day. Take 20 minutes to get outdoors and take a walk around the block, explore new trails or go for a bike ride. Many of these spaces allow you to connect with others from a safe distance. Spending time in nature, especially among trees, significantly reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood, energy, sleep and boosts the immune system.
More Digital Earth Day Events can be found at www.EarthDay.org
Arbor Day – April 24
The Town of Brookhaven annual tree seedling give away to commemorate Arbor Day has been cancelled because of social distancing requirements, but we are hoping to offer an event aimed at increasing trees in our community sometime in the future. While residents participate in the NY-PAUSE by self-isolating, the Arbor Day Foundation offers several ideas for residents who want to observe Arbor Day on Friday, April 24 while social distancing:
-Hike through a forest
-Online nature learning
-Draw your favorite trees
-Order a tree from a local nursery or from the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Nursery - Shop Arbor Day
-Become a member of the Arbor Day Foundation
For more ideas on how to mark Arbor Day, visit www.arborday.org.
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone 631-451-6595