10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Month

Wide photo of soil and grass, with plants sprouting, a glass globe on the far right. In the upper center of the photo the sun creates a glare. Text in the upper left quadrant reads: 10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Month

1. Host a film night about Environmental Justice.

Here are some suggestions of great films to watch on Hoopla with your kale chips.

2. Plant a Garden.

You can use seeds from our new Seed Library.

3. Read a book with Friends.

When the predictions are so dire, it’s tempting to feel powerless. Here are some titles that help cultivate resilience in the face of the climate crisis and provide ideas for ways to help now.

Drawdown : the Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming by

The Water Will Come : Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World by Goodell, Jeff

A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety : How to Keep Your Cool On A Warming Planet by Ray, Sarah Jaquette

The Weather Makers : How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life On Earth by Flannery, Tim F

4. Start composting.

Make a worm composting bin with your kids.

Or check Backyard Growers website for good ways to get started

5. Join Ms. Frizzle as she teaches about saving our beautiful planet Earth.

On Earth Day, April 22nd, Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus will be at Trinity Church (70 Middle Street) from 11:30 – 12:15 presenting an interactive & fun program about planting, gardening, and saving our planet! This morning of fun is ideal for young children ages 3 and up and their families For more information click here

6. Check out and read one of the five highest-rated novels about the climate crisis

The Overstory : A Novel by Powers, Richard

Cloud Atlas : A Novel by Mitchell, David

Parable of the Sower by Butler, Octavia E

Gold Fame Citrus by Watkins, Claire Vaye

7. Attend the Gloucester Energy Savings Fair on April 13 at City Hall.

Drop in anytime between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm and figure out how to lower your utility bills.
More information here

8. Cook a vegetarian meal.

Here’s a list of good vegetarian cookbooks you can check out.

Bowls of Goodness : VIbrant Vegetarian Recipes Full of Nourishment by Olsson, Nina

Simple Green Meals : 100+ Plant-Powered Recipes to Thrive From the Inside Out by Hansard, Jen

The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook : 500 Inspired, Flexible Recipes for Eating Well Without Meat by

Love Real Food : More Than 100 Feel-Good Vegetarian Favorites to Delight the Senses and Nourish the Body by Taylor, Kathryne

9. Calculate your carbon footprint.

Here’s a website to help.

10. Bring your child to Storytime Yoga.

Yoga and mindfulness are excellent ways for kids to celebrate the Earth. Treetop Yoga and Sawyer Free Library are teaming up for 3 free sessions of yoga suitable for preschoolers.
Register here