Life Moments column
By Christine Bryant
Earth Day is always one of my favorite times of the year – not only because of the meaning behind the annual occurrence, but because it feels like a fresh new beginning.
Temperatures are finally beginning to inch up – and stay there – and flowers are peeking through the mulch. Birds begin chirping just before dawn breaks, and daylight invades darkness’ space more and more.
Over the past few weeks, when Mother Nature has teased us, providing a few days of record-high temperatures followed by snow flurries, I’ve come to appreciate the little things in life more – opening the windows and watching the sheers sway from the light breeze, taking a walk through the neighborhood rather than on my treadmill, and watching my kids become fast friends again with the playground equipment at the park.
As my two young ones continue to grow, it’s exciting to show them ways they can give back, even if it’s just by sorting the recycling from the trash so “the earth isn’t sad,” as my 5-year-old likes to say.
If you’re interested in spending some time outdoors and strengthening the community this Earth Day, April 22, there are several activities local organizations are planning.
From parks programs to clean-up events, there’s plenty of events to attend and activities to do for all ages.
Earth Day may just be another day on the calendar, but it’s also a reminder of the diverse and complex world we live in.
For more information on Earth Day activities or ways you can help your community, here are a few sites to get you started: earthdaycolumbus.org, keepreynoldsburgbeautiful.org, metroparks.net, greencbus.org, swaco.org and earthday.org.
Christine Bryant is a Messenger staff writer and columnist.