Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, but the spirit of the day can continue every day. The day serves as a reminder that our planet needs kindness and care. While I may be just a tiny speck on this vast Earth, I know that even small actions can make a difference. Little changes, when shared by everyone, can add up, inspiring greener habits that last throughout the year. By making mindful choices, we can all contribute to a healthier planet.

 One thing I’m going to do is plant some vegetables with a little help from Hubby, of course. He has a green thumb, while mine might be more... well, brown and slightly wilted. I am not exactly the star of the gardening world, but I am an enthusiastic sidekick. I love watching how his tomatoes and cucumbers grow, transforming from delicate little blossoms into full-grown, edible delights. It’s like a slow-motion magic show. There’s truly nothing better than the taste of a fresh, sun-warmed tomato, sliced open and sprinkled with salt.

 Every year, Hubby has the same noble plan to grow enough tomatoes to make his famous homemade tomato sauce, the kind he lovingly layers into his lasagna with fresh basil and garlic. But alas, there are never enough tomatoes left over.

Still, the process is a joy, digging into the soil, getting our hands dirty (well, his more than mine), and checking each morning for new blossoms. It may seem to be a small thing, but it makes us feel a little more connected to the Earth, and to each other.

 For Earth Day, I find myself suddenly invested in recycling. I get confused about whether all paper and plastics are recyclable, and, often, I will lazily toss everything into the recycling bin, only to later learn that my greasy pizza box and plastic forks are not exactly recycling friendly. Hubby, ever the recycling guru, is always there to correct me. He will even dig through the bin to retrieve any wayward items. He’s also quick to point out that glass jars, like peanut butter or salsa jars, should be washed out to avoid attracting hungry critters to the bin.

The reality is that recycling helps, but it is the last resort in the Reduce–Reuse–Recycle trio. Reducing and reusing are even more powerful ways to care for the planet. That is why I use a reusable water bottle for my daily eight glasses of water, and I bring along cloth or canvas bags from Job Lot to carry home my purchased treasures.

Of course, my favorite way to celebrate Earth Day is simply to appreciate the Earth. Leaving my iPad and cell phone in the house, I sat outside in one of those old, webbed folding lounge chairs in our backyard, overlooking the pond behind our home. The air was gentle and cool, and I started to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. It felt almost as if the world had slowed down just for me. Before me stretched the calm lake, its surface like glass, perfectly mirroring the sky above. The water barely rippled, creating a stillness that invited a deep, peaceful breath. That is, until the roar of an airplane taking off from the airport shattered the silence. I watched as it soared overhead, the underside of its belly reflected in the blue water. The ducks began quacking in protest, and the seagulls took flight in a flurry of feathers. My reverie was broken, but only for a few minutes. (We who live near the airport are used to momentary lapses in peace.)

 It did not take long to relax again and enjoy the moment. As I sat there, the rest of the world felt far away, quiet, serene, and peaceful. It was one of those rare times when everything felt in balance. It was as if time had decided to pause, and all I had to do was sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty around me.

That’s how I celebrated Earth Day.