Edith Kitchel, 11, poses for a photo with her dog Basil. (Photo courtesy 8-18 Media director Marnie Foucault)

“More than 8 billion people inhabit our planet, and each year Earth Day reminds them of the need to take care of their home.” — Time magazine

Earth Day is a time to think about the world we live in.

And just because we’ve already celebrated Earth Day this year on April 22, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a nice thing to read about some fun facts and things you can do to celebrate our environment:

• Fun Fact: Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin is called the father of Earth Day because he founded the event in 1970 after the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, which took place off the coast of California.

• Activity: Toilet paper roll owls, upcycled art: you can make cute little owls out of toilet paper rolls and recycled supplies, such as newspaper, leaves, old calendars and acorns. This craft is super fun. If you want to try it yourself, visit https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MHVq4O25cXA. 

• Fun Fact: Other countries know Earth Day as “International Mother Earth Day,” the name it was given by the United Nations in 2009.

• Activity: A trash pick-up walk. Invite your family and friends for a walk around your neighborhood with trash bags and gloves, and pick up the trash you see. Even small steps will make a difference.  

• Fun Fact: April 22 was chosen smartly as the date for Earth Day because it fell between spring break and final exams. Earth Day founders wanted to maximize student participation.

• Activity: Make a pine cone birdfeeder. You can make these fun birdfeeders in a quick period of time with an exceptional outcome! Learn more online on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuX3YJhGMgE or search “pine cone bird feeder.”

• Fun Fact: In 2011, on Earth Day, in Afghanistan, people planted 28 million trees as part of a campaign called Plant Trees Not Bombs.

• Activity: Plant a tree, a classic thing to do for Earth Day!

• Fun Fact: Every year, around a billion people participate in Earth Day worldwide.

• Activity: Make a paper picture of the world. Use adhesive sheets or, as I say, “sticky paper” as a backing, then take scrap paper and CREATE. Learn more or get some ideas at https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW1mRT7EbJ7/.

• Fun Fact: According to a report from Friends of the Earth, humans 30 years ago used 50% less natural resources than we do today.

• Activity: Make a milk carton birdfeeder. This is a really fun craft. You can use recycled materials and adjust different styles for older or younger age groups. For some fun ideas, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdSO9gcskI4.

• Fun Fact: AOL surprisingly states, “You can improve your car’s fuel economy by 7 to 14 percent simply by obeying the speed limit.” I think this is hilarious. 

• Activity: Go for a nature scavenger hunt. Find things in your backyard; you can even make bingo cards.

• Fun Fact: Today surprisingly shares “There is more water on the earth than land.” (I know your mind was just blown).

Hope your brains are now full.

Edith Kitchel is 11 years old and has written four columns with 8-18 Media. A favorite food is borscht, made and consumed every year on Christmas.