Yipee, it's Earth Day!

Today, April 22, is Earth Day, one of the largest secular holidays celebrated worldwide. While there are many ways we can do our parts for the protection of the environment in the grand scheme (see earthday.org) there are also ways we can heal the earth directly in our gardens.  

To support carbon sequestration, we can plant trees, particularly natives that support local wildlife and beneficial pollinators which are endangered. Trees also shelter our homes, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning in summer. Avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers help the earth and its water supply and wildlife directly. You'll be surprised by how healthy, and still tidy, your garden can be without these products. Selecting plants and designs that reduce water use is also critical, especially for those of us in California. Planting a vegetable garden or adding a chicken coop means less driving to the markets and can involve composting which reduces both water use and garbage hauling. The appropriate drip irrigation system avoids water waste and erosion. Owl and bat boxes are remarkably effective means of natural pest control.  If we all think through what we can do individually the effect can be considerable.