Today is Earth Day, which started way back on this day in 1970, and its purpose is to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
Each year, there is a theme, and this year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet”, which focuses on uniting governments, institutions and businesses to build green economies.

But, while most of the power to change how our economies work is in the hands of politicians, there is plenty that we at home can do to help the planet on which we live by appreciating and respecting the natural world.

• Help the pollinators by growing a variety of plants that provide a food source at all times.

• Clean up plastic rubbish dumped in your local area.

• Change some of our household products for more environmentally friendly versions.

• Plant a tree.

• Plant wildflowers and native plants in your garden.

• Reduce, reuse and recycle in the garden.

• Stop the use of pesticides or chemicals in the garden.

• Conserve water.

• Think about the impact that what you eat has on the environment, both here and abroad. How it is produced and how much we may waste!

• Instil a love and interest in the natural world in kids and young people, so they appreciate all the other residents of this world that make up the ecosystem that supports all life.

Summer, fall, winter, spring,
The seasons rotate as each brings
Its special beauty to this Earth of ours.
Winter’s snow and summer’s flowers;
Frozen rivers will flow come spring,
There is a renewal of everything.
–Edna Frohock (1906–97)

The thirsty earth soaks up the rain,
And drinks, and gapes for drink again.
The plants suck in the earth and air
With constant drinking fresh and fair.
–Abraham Cowley (1618–67)

Today, let’s celebrate Earth Day here by sharing the best of the natural world, whether it’s pictures, gifs, music or videos, as well as our usual friendly fun and chat.