Happy Earth Month! While Bemidjians brave spring snowstorms, birds begin to come back and anglers vacate the Lake Bemidji ice we are reminded that it is, in fact, April already. With spring in Bemidji and across the country comes Earth Month!

This month, we are encouraged to appreciate the Earth and be eco-friendly; however, many ways we are encouraged to do this are expensive and inaccessible, like buying a new electric car or buying expensive eco-friendly brands. Here are some easy, cost-effective ways to help out the planet this month.

One of the most accessible ways to appreciate the Earth is to go outside and engage with nature. Spring is one of the best times of year to birdwatch, as species return from their winter homes and the birds that stayed the winter begin to sing again.

If birding isn’t your thing, go for a simple walk or hike. There’s plenty of public land around the area to enjoy these things like Diamond Point, other city parks, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, and the Paul Bunyan State Trail for biking and hiking (all free). As you spend time outside, I challenge you to take in the animals and plants and appreciate the life the Earth sustains and our natural world.

Another challenge while you’re outside is to pick up some garbage. As snow melts, it reveals quite a lot of plastic that can find its way into the lake. All forms of plastic can harm us and the other life we share the Earth with, so if you see some trash, pick it up.

All trash is harmful, not just plastic. Bears are notorious trash eaters. This is bad for their physical health and attracts them toward humans. They know who the trash comes from. The more we limit the bears’ access to trash, the more we can deter them from getting into places where they put themselves and us in danger. Birds and other small mammals are harmed in similar ways. Remember, the Earth is home to all of us: you, me, and all the plants and animals.

On top of protecting animals and getting out, there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to be a bit more Earth-friendly.

One of my favorite things is to eat local and seasonal. Lots of fruit we eat is shipped from Mexico or the West Coast, which are transportation emissions-heavy. Harmony Food Co-op downtown has great labeling throughout the year showing where their produce comes from, and they have great local options.

As summer creeps up on us, shopping at a farmers market or growing your own food is even better. If you don’t have a yard or space for a garden (like myself), indoor gardening is excellent and can be done throughout the year. Find some old containers, make some drainage holes and grow dinner. My favorite foods in my indoor space right now are herbs and carrots.

While on the notion of shopping, remember to reduce, reuse and recycle (in that order). Think, “Is this something I really need?” Use what you have and repair when you can to avoid waste. Before you replace your summer wardrobe, think “Do I really need new clothes or is what I have just fine?” Check second-hand before buying new. Bemidji is home to many great thrift stores. It’s also important to remember that fabrics like polyester are plastic and to avoid fast fashion brands.

Reducing consumption, shopping used and using what you already have are the best ways to be sustainable and save money. I challenge you to “no buy” or “low buy” during Earth Month. Stick to necessities and save some money while protecting the planet.

Remember that being Earth-friendly means doing what you can, not what you can’t, and that the planet is ours, as well as the plants and animals. Check out the book
“Consumed” by Aja Barber
to learn more about the harm of buying what you don’t need and check out your local public library for more books on easy things you can do. Or reach out to me personally for more ideas at
amcaghon@gmail.com.

Alison McAghon is a student at Bemidji State University and a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby organization. For more information, visit
CitizensClimateLobby.org.