Articles

Make an Earth Day Difference

Earth Day is not only a time to appreciate the natural world around you, but to make positive changes for our environment. Although there is only one day dedicated to Earth Day, here in Gaylord, we believe in celebrating Earth Day every day. The founder of this special day was even named Gaylord Nelson! How cool is that?

Will you join us in honoring our planet? Keep reading for some easy tips on reducing your carbon footprint.

Help with a cleanup project 

Seek out local volunteering opportunities for trail cleanup projects or create your own.  All you need is a positive attitude, a pair of gloves and garbage bags or buckets to remove refuse.  White Birch Outfitters is spearheading a downtown cleanup project on April 22, 2024. Anyone interested is welcome to join them between 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Directions and cleaning supplies will be given out at 3:30 p.m., but you’re welcome to jump in at any point and start helping! Not able to make it to our downtown cleanup? You can always volunteer with the Michigan DNR to Adopt-A-Forest or Adopt-A-Highway.

Ride your bike 

Not only will riding your bike give you a boost of energy to start your day, but it also cuts down tremendously on air pollution. While visiting our area, you can experience “green” transportation in true up north style!

Invest in reusable items 

Plastic shopping bags and water bottles are two easy items to keep out of your recycling bins by purchasing reusable alternatives.  These are inexpensive items to buy and spending an afternoon wandering our lovely downtown shops will surely lead you in the right direction.

Plant native trees and wildflowers 

Restoring native plants is not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide shelter to local wildlife and support vital pollinators such as honeybees.  The Otsego Conservation District is an excellent resource on native vegetation and your one-stop shop for local wildflowers and grasses found in northern Michigan. Along with their nursery, they offer a unique demonstration garden throughout the summer.

Buy from your local Farmer’s Market 

Supporting your local farming community comes with oodles of benefits! While eliminating packaging and transporting of goods is obviously helpful to our environment, no one can deny that first bite into a farm fresh apple, strawberry or piece of sweet corn. The Downtown Gaylord Farmer’s Market is opening for the season soon! Follow them on Facebook for updates on dates, times and vendors.

Earth Day can be every day when you take small steps in the right direction!