At All Seasons Wild Bird Store we celebrate Earth Day every day—in little ways. Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. The goal of the effort was to create public awareness and ultimately establish a federal bureau dedicated to clean air, clean water and threatened and endangered species. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has since worked to reduce pollution and save threatened and endangered species including some found in Minnesota such as the Burrowing Owl, Short-eared Owl, Hooded Warbler, Trumpeter Swan, and many others.

What can you do to celebrate Earth Day and help maintain healthy habitats and healthy critters?

The Three R’s: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse

1. 1. Reduce. Buy in bulk, avoid single serve containers, manage your energy and water usage with conservation in mind. Did you know a ten-minute shower uses 25 gallons less than a bath?
   2. Recycle. Recycling plastics, aluminum and paper products at work and at home reduces landfill waste and conserves natural resources including water. Did you know when you recycle an aluminum can you are saving the energy equivalent of three hours of screens? You can also support recycling efforts by purchasing items made from recycled materials. We have several bird feeders and nest boxes made from recycled plastic that are durable and long-lasting.
   3. Reuse. Reusable coffee cups and water bottles have certainly caught on. Additionally, hand-me-downs, used clothing and “thrifting” have become very popular.

Other ideas: 

• Volunteer at a local park.
• Landscape for wildlife by planting native flowers and trees including pollinator friendly species. (See our Landscaping for Wildlife page).
• Establish brush piles for shelter/cover.
• Avoid using pesticides and chemicals on your property. Spiders, bats and opossums are natural insect eaters that can help control your insect population.
• Avoid using sticky traps and poisons because of unintended consequences such as poisoning of young Great Horned Owls.
• Dispose of chemicals safely. Check with your county for proper disposal options for paint, oil and other hazardous waste.

It’s the little everyday things that add up to big things. Happy Earth Day.

By Eagan Store Manager ANN MCCARTHY