Hello and happy Wednesday. How are you all after your Easter Break and Easter Eggs? As you know, my family are all grown up – but did that stop us from rolling Easter Eggs down the hill with the grandparents? Not at all! And it meant that we spent time together outside and were able to appreciate the garden, the view, the trees, the lambs in the field and all that nature has to offer. This week we are taking a bit of time to reflect on Earth Day and how looking after the planet results in looking after ourselves. Whilst saving the planet may feel like an impossible task – there are billions of us in the world and if each of us does something individually – we can make a difference. Have a look at the ways that you could celebrate Earth Day – nothing too challenging there!
As an organisation, our Council is committed to sustainability and to tackling climate change – you can read more about it in the links below.
Following on from our feature last week about the benefits of singing on our wellbeing, we were delighted to receive a video of Ellie Cooper from Willowview, giving an amazing vocal performance which you can view via the link below. Thank you Ellie!
And finally – I finished a book! An easy read and a satisfying outcome – what more can you ask? And I found out that it was the third in a trilogy…. so I have now started book one in Jackie Baldwin’s DI Farrell series – thanks to my dad!
There will be a guest intro next week as I will be away, so I’ll see you all in a fortnight – enjoy Earth Day.
Jane Fowler -Head of Customer Support Services
National Earth Day - 22nd April
When thinking about our wellbeing it is easy to focus on the things that immediately affect us or that are close to home. This week we are celebrating Earth Day and this provides us with an opportunity to appreciate things across not just countries and continents, but across the entire planet and the importance of respecting and preserving our natural resources.
Earth Day is an annual celebration where people can participate in numerous events to show their support for environmental protection. Looking after our planet results in looking after ourselves.
The theme for Earth Day 2022 is ‘Invest in our planet’ and is focussed on finding solutions to combat the threat of climate change and making the transition to an equitable, prosperous green economy for all.
Earth Day Facts
- The first official Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 attracted millions of students who demonstrated for conserving nature.
- The first Earth Day was hugely successful. It resulted in the creation of several acts to protect nature including, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Substances Control Act, etc.
- Earth Day began in the USA, but in 1990, the event went global. Two hundred million people in more than 141 nations participated in the event.
- Although it’s mainly called ”Earth Day,” in 2009 the United Nations named the event International Mother Earth Day.
How to Celebrate Earth Day 2022?
Here are some exciting ways you could celebrate Earth Day 2022:
- Plant a Tree: The more trees on the planet the more we’re able to rebalance the excess of CO2 emissions and they provide amazing spaces for us to spend time in. Visit the Woodland Trust for more information. You may even qualify for free trees for community projects.
- Explore the outdoors: Take a walk or cycle ride and experience the beauty of the world around you. Try going somewhere you haven’t been before or haven’t been to for a long time.
- Take a Virtual Tour to a Forest or Aquarium:if you have limited mobility or don’t have access to outdoor space, spend some time with nature without leaving your house. There are multiple platforms online that allow you to take a virtual tour of forests or aquariums.
- Save Energy: The way we generate energy has a big impact on our planet. Therefore, this Earth Day, adopt energy-saving measuresand help protect the planet and save some money on your energy bills. More information is available at Energy Saving Trust
- Pledge to Limit the Use of Plastic: We all know the damage that plastic can do to nature and the environment, so think about how you can reduce your use of plastics. Simple switches to using refillable bottles for household products and toiletries and reusable coffee cups can help to make a difference. Greenpeace has lots of ideas for reducing plastic.
- Volunteer for Planet Saving Activities: Search online for Earth Day activitiesin your area or join a local beach cleaning event or other group activities.
A Greener Council
Argyll and Bute Council is committed to act in a sustainable way when carrying out our day to day business and doing our bit to help reduce climate change.
Did you know?
- Solar panels which can generate up to one megawatt of energy have been installed on suitable buildings owned by Argyll and Bute Council;
- We use wood to heat 12 of our buildings following the installation of biomass boilers;
- We operate a 50 kilowatt wind turbine which helps to power our Glengorm Waste Disposal Site on Mull;
- The change to LED lightbulbs in our street lighting is expected to save more than 1,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year;
- 99 schools and nurseries across Argyll and Bute (both Council and other providers) are registered with eco-schools and 47 have green flag status;
- Our Sustainable Procurement Policy ensures that our procurement minimises its contribution to climate change
- You can find out more at Sustainable Development and Climate Change (argyll-bute.gov.uk)
And finally….
As you know, we love to hear your feedback and following on from last’s week’s feature on the wellbeing benefits of singing, we were delighted to receive a video from Ellie Cooper, who is a Clerical Assistant at Willowview, performing a song at a very professional level. You can view the clip on her Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-0QNqkHTUJYKAJ-jWqh5oU6ew8KL4E5vbz1ag0/
Thanks for reading and, as ever, keep in touch with us at wellbeing@argyll-bute.gov.uk