At our cottage on the southern coast of Maine, a blueberry bush sits on a plot of land that hadn’t been cared for in quite some time.

Even our neighbors, locals who live there year-round, are amazed at the size and condition of the plant. We often joke that it must thrive on neglect. But that’s not so - it thrives because it sustains itself. It is lucky enough to live in an area well cared for by environmentalists. Its roots are deep in good soil.

Other plants, other locations, however, need a little nudge. That’s where we come in.

April 22 is Earth Day.

For more than 50 years, people across the globe have marked this day by taking steps to better our planet. And even though it’s noted as just one day, the mission often plants an initial seed of compassion in a person, who then carries on the effort year-round.

Today, it is estimated more than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities.

Caring for the planet is a noble deed, yet it can be an overwhelming thought. The global initiative can sometimes feel like we’re getting nowhere in our efforts.

We often say we want to get involved in the efforts, but you know … life.

Small steps can be doable, the results seen more quickly and more close to home.

This year’s Earth Day theme suggests we “invest in our planet” by planting trees, ending plastic consumption, becoming educated in climate change and joining local cleanup efforts, among others.

Our counties and local municipalities surely have organized events to clean up the area roadways and parks.

The Earth Day 2023 theme even suggests we step onto our own lawns and offer some TLC where needed. The addition of plants and flowers to our landscape are also important to the local environment and our wildlife.

Years ago, when my children were of preschool and kindergarten age, we gave Forget-Me-Not seed packets and terra-cotta pots as end-of-year gifts for their teachers. Even the non-gardeners loved them, and many remarked the surprising ease of the planting effort sparked a newfound hobby and passion.

It can be therapeutic to help heal the Earth, even in a small way.

Who knows - maybe that tree or plant you helped sustain isn’t the only thing that begins to thrive.

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press