Five ways to celebrate Earth Day this year

Wednesday April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day celebrations around the globe. Traditional Earth Day celebrations will be adjusted this year to reflect the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the entire world.

At McMaster, the university’s Sustainability Committee has developed a list of activities that are being planned for Earth Day, with the hopes that faculty, staff and students, whether on or off campus, will participate.

Here are five ways to mark the day:

1. Facilities Services will be planting a shagbark hickory tree on campus on Wednesday. The tree should survive 200 years on campus, a symbol of longevity, and, because the tree produces nuts, a sustainable food supply. A small plaque will be placed beside the tree to recognize the global pandemic that has affected so many people around the world.
2. Join the food eco-challenge on the Mac Eats Instagram page this week using the hashtag #macecochallenge. Participants choose one of three eco-challenges to commit to at home, including reducing animal products and composting food waste.
3. Tune in to a 24-hour webinar on Happiness and Sustainability hosted by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
4. Check out the Earth Day Digital Display featuring library resources, including e-books, streaming videos, and databases that can be accessed remotely. The Library has also created a Library Guide to Sustainable Living, which outlines strategies for living a less carbon intensive life.
5. Use your social isolating time to better explore your backyard, with the help of resources such as iNaturalist (a free app to identify plants or animals you see or hear) and Savvy Gardening to bring out your inner gardener.