Persona Cultural Calendar: Earth Day

The world is not to be put in order;

the world is order, incarnate.

It is for us to harmonise with this order.

-Henry Miller

April 2024 Update

Click on the below for a printable poster:

• Tips to Reduce Single-use Plastic

The first Earth Day happened in 1970 and was started in America. It wasn't until 1990 that Earth Day went global. It was spurred by the every growing public awareness about the condition of the planet.

"In the decades leading up to the first Earth Day, Americans were consuming vast amounts of leaded gas through massive and inefficient automobiles. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of the consequences from either the law or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. Until this point, mainstream America remained largely oblivious to environmental concerns and how a polluted environment threatens human health." (Earthday.org)

Earth Day Google Earth Scavenger Hunt

Instructions

1. You will need to load up Google Earth on your computer or tablet. Give it a little bit of time to load.
2. Using the Search tool located on the left-hand side of the screen (a little magnifying glass), use this to search the below clues- you can put in landmark names/ postcodes etc in the search bar at the top of the screen.
3. Let Google Earth load the right location. Can you answer the questions?

Can you find what are at these locations?

1. Who would you find living at the postcode SW1A 1AA? 
2. What shape is on the floor near the East Stand at Old Trafford? 
3. What well known statue is found if you search for the formerly named ‘Bedloe Island’? 
4. How many spires are on the roof of the Millennium Dome?
5. What colour is Blackpool Tower? 

Click here for the answers.

The UK recycling rate for waste from households was 45% in 2018, decreasing from 45.5% in 2017.

There was an EU target for the UK to recycle at least 50% of household waste by 2020. (Source: gov.uk)

Recycling can be a great way to give new life to household objects. Check out the Activity Hub where Sue will show you how to reuse your baked bean tins and turn them into decorative storage containers!

For more crafting activities from Susan click here.

Film Recommendation:

Kiss the Ground (2020)

Netflix

This interesting documentary, narrated by Woody Harrelson, explores the importance of soil within agriculture and examines the argument for 'regenerative farming' techniques. The documentary shows stark comparisons and how applying regenerative techniques can heal landscapes and help the Earth. Worth a watch.

Nature is a free wellbeing tool everyone can use and for many people, especially during the pandemic, nature has been a way to recharge their batteries and positivity. For Jenny in the Communications team, cold open water swimming is a way to reconnect with herself and to ease the anxieties and troubles of the day. Our Finance Director, Bernard, often finds himself under a canopy of trees in a deep state of mindfulness. This is what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku or ‘forest bathing’. It simply means slowing down and engaging with nature on a sensory level and can have numerous health benefits. Read about their experiences and others' wellbeing stories here: