DEAR SUN SPOTS: With Earth Day happening on Wednesday, April 22, I’d like to hear about what Sun Spotters are doing that day (or on the surrounding weekends) for our beautiful, yet struggling, planet. Does anyone have creative ideas to share that can be used by a group? Or are you going it alone? My friends and I are going to plant a few trees and shrubs. We’d also like to donate to Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and to Pineland. We are doing these things in lieu of spending money on our group members’ birthday gifts and lunch out. It feels like the right thing to do. Let us know what you’re doing and we’ll spread the word for you! — Cindy, Farmington

ANSWER: Thanks for letting us know about this, Cindy. I like the idea of planting and donating and will certainly mention it to the crew of neighbors I gather with for Earth Day which this year has the theme, “Our Power, Our Planet.” 

Some other ideas that come to mind is to contact your local school, college campus, or church to see what they’ll be up to on Earth Day — perhaps you can join in. I also know of a Maine community who has a giant giveaway pile with items that are free for the taking. It’s a great day to have a yard sale and pass on what you no longer need to someone else. 

If you work for a business or organization you could plan a shredding event with donations going to a local nonprofit.

I once was part of a group where over 30 women got together in the morning to collect and dispose of roadside trash then we gathered in a church hall where we swapped clothes and accessories from our closets and enjoyed a special potluck supper made with ingredients we already had on hand. The goal was to not spend any money on the meal. 

Then there was the year my 8-year-old grandson and I walked Popham Beach and collected three industrial-size bags of trash. I had purchased inexpensive grabbers and he had so much fun with his. As we walked along, he drew big hearts in the sand with a stick. He’s 19 years old now and still mentions this day as being “epic.” 

The Nature Conservancy website (https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/earth-day/) has some unique ideas that include going on a scavenger hunt, bird watching, clearing trails, creating a special pollinator garden, and more. 

Cindy and I, as well as other Sun Spotters, want to hear about how you’re spending your day, and what you do year-round to give tender loving care to our Mother Earth. If you know of specific events folks can sign up for, let us know! 

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