From the Blog
7 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day During Coronavirus
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day celebrations. While celebrations may look different this year, as most of the world practices social-distancing, there are still plenty of ways to benefit our planet without having to leave your house.
So, here’s a list of ways you can celebrate from the comfort of your own home, yard or neighborhood:
1. Get outdoors
One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day to get some fresh air. Soak up some vitamin D, spend time in your backyard, open your windows or stroll through your neighborhood.
2. Clean up your neighborhood
Take a trash bag and gloves with you on a walk so you can pick up any litter you find along the way.
3. Start gardening
Welcome the spring season by planting native plants, fruits, and vegetables in your garden. Or if you don’t have a yard, invest in house plants!
4. Start a compost pile
As you spend more time at home, you are most likely accumulating more food waste than usual. An easy way to reduce that waste is to compost! Once it fully decomposes you’ll be left with an excellent fertilizer for your garden.
5. Save an unwanted item from the landfill
Try upcycling an item. Such as making bird feeders out of a cardboard tube by smearing it in peanut butter, covering it with birdseed then hanging it outside with twine for the birds to enjoy.
6. Cook a plant-based meal
Adding even just a few plant-based meals to your week, you can lower your carbon footprint. For your plant-based meal, you can order produce from local farms through co-ops like us!
7. Appreciate wildlife
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than appreciating it? Watch the “Planet Earth” nature series, sit on your patio and listen to the critters or watch the Decorah Eagle Cam!
Earth Day celebrations may not be the same this year, but we still want to encourage you to be proactive for our communities and the planet.
New Pioneer Food Co-op
New Pi is a food co-operative, owned by over 35,000 members, home-grown in Iowa. We welcome everyone to our store, regardless of membership, and focus on local and sustainable food solutions. New Pi has strong roots in Iowa City’s local food community, and continues to partner with local growers, food, and sustainability organizations to enrich Linn and Johnson County communities.