Earth Day falls on April 22 every year. It’s a day that is recognized all around the globe with many organizations, countries, and individuals making a conscience effort to celebrate and improve the world we all share. This year’s theme is “Restore Our EarthTM” with the goal of encouraging everyone to take steps, both big and small, to restore the health of our planet.
If your aging parent is a nature lover in any way, shape, or form, you might find April 22 a perfect opportunity to spend some time together celebrating something you both care about. As a caregiver, these events that you share with your parent can build great memories and help you weather those tougher decisions and tasks that you have to do on a daily basis. Here are some great ways for you and your parent to appreciate the day.
Learn more about Earth
There are many great shows and series out there that celebrate all of the wonders of our planet. If your parent is unable to spend much time mobile or out and about, you can still spend time together watching a series that highlights the natural wonders of the planet. Perhaps there is a place your parent visited when he was younger (such as a national park), that he would enjoy watching a video about. If he loves wildlife, there are some great shows out there that highlight animals from all parts of the world.
Go out and enjoy our planet
One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is to simply get out and appreciate all the wonder and beauty our planet provides us. Before the day gets here, talk with your parent about taking a special trip to an outdoor area together. You can pack up a lunch and drive your parent to a bird sanctuary, a state park, or a nearby lake. Find a place that allows good social distancing, and you can comfortably wear masks if you still need to. While there, make a concerted effort to enjoy and talk about the natural beauty that surrounds you. This can be a nice relaxing way for your parent to spend time with you.
Spend time restoring areas back to beauty
As the snow melts, unfortunately, there’s often a lot of garbage left behind along shorelines and in parks. Getting properly attired with gloves, bags, and sticks for picking up trash, spend some time cleaning up areas that need a little beautifying. If it’s safe, you can help your parent find a group to work alongside with or it can be just the two of you (or just your family). Every little piece of trash picked up helps restore the Earth to its natural beauty.
Start a living legacy
Earth day is also a great day to plant a tree in honor of your parent. As a caregiver, do a little research on the best way to do this in your climate and provide a place that family members can return to for decades as they honor and remember you parent.