Did you know that Monday, April 22, is Earth Day?  Earth Day  is observed on this date each year since being recognized and adopted by the United Nations in 2009.  The idea of this day is to inspire awareness of and appreciation for our earth’s environment. Events are held worldwide in nearly 200 countries around the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

In honor of Earth Day, why not build a rain barrel, or make your own compost?  Rain barrels are a wonderful way to harness the goodness of Mother Nature, and minimize waste, by using collected rainwater to water your garden rather than wasting valuable fresh water from your plumbing.  Composting is also Earth friendly, using things you are literally throwing away to help maintain the life of your garden.  On Saturday, April 27^th, from 1:00 – 3:00, you can visit Hanson Park at 38 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, and learn how to build and use your own rain barrel, how to plan, create, plant, and maintain a beautiful rain garden, and even how to successfully compost.  Rain barrel kits will be available for purchase on site, as will composters.  You can even enjoy some yummies . . . . free hot dogs and beverages will be made available, courtesy of the Cranford Environmental Commission.

Want to do more, beyond your own backyard or garden?  Then why not help with the annual Spring Riverside Clean-Up, taking place that same day?  The clean-up will take place from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, and water bottles and t-shirts will be distributed as a thank you to all volunteers.  There will be designated stations at Kenilworth Boulevard, 620 Riverside Drive, The Mill, and Mohawk Drive. It’s a great activity for families to do together, to help teach the importance of community and the value of our natural resources to kids.

You can learn more about this event, and about the topics which will be addressed, at www.mygreencranford.org .

And, while we really SHOULD make every day Earth Day, this is a great place to start, don’t you think?