Gardeners and nature lovers tend to respect the beauty and fragility of  our outdoor environments – at least I like to think we do.  But we all can do more to protect and sustain our Earth.  I tend to consider every day Earth Day, but it's good to have at least one day a year when everyone focuses on their impact on Mother Earth.  I know I can be more protective … most of us can … so choose at least one Earth-friendly activity to do today.  Then try to make it a regular activity.  Think of the impact we can have if we all do just a little.

• Turn of unneeded lights or electronics.
• Walk or ride a bicycle somewhere instead of driving.
• Plan driving trips more carefully so you're bunching errands into a few or one, rather than many trips.
• Start a compost pile and vow to use it … I have six working compost piles and could use more.  Compost is great for plants of all sorts.
• Hang your laundry out to dry.
• Start at least one annual flower or vegetable plant from seed.
• Better yet, join the growing number of Americans who will grow some of their own food this year.
• Walk through your neighborhood and pick up trash.
• Start recycling glass, metals, plastics, and paper.
• Investigate what native plants or shrubs you could use in your gardens in place of a non-native. Connecticut gardeners can start with the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group.
• Join a local earth-friendly organization such as NOFA (Nutmeggers go to CTNOFA ).
• Plant food crops amongst perennial beds … lettuce or other low growing greens and Alpine strawberries make attractive edgings.

Check out more ideas at the official Earth Day website.

How do you celebrate Earth Day?