Happy Earth day from us at Iscential! Today we celebrate the beautiful planet we live on. While there has not been many positive headlines in the news lately. One positive we can all agree about is the decline in global pollution while most countries have been sheltering in place. According to CNN, many major cities around the globe have seen pollution reductions of 60% or more. This is an encouraging statistic to see during a time where we have become accustom to negative statistics and headlines related to the spread of COVID-19.

 

Iscential has put together a short list of activities to not only do today, but over the next several weeks as we continue to shelther in place as a nation.

 

Here are 5 things to do for Earth Day and for weeks to come:

 

 

1. Plant a garden or add some green to your space.

If you have access to a backyard (or even a window box), now is the perfect time to plant a garden. A small herb garden is easy to grow and maintain, and it provides fresh flavors for your future dishes. Plant flowers, vegetables, a tree — the possibilities are endless. Local gardening centers are open in states throughout the country, with some even offering no-contact pickup. You can even have plants delivered straight to your doorstep if there isn’t a garden center near you.

 

2. Take a walk (while social distancing) or exercise outside.

If you’re able to do so, take a walk around your neighborhood (while observing social distancing rules) or community. Go on a run or bring your home workout equipment outside or to a park(if open). Try to avoid driving today if not necessary for you. Walk to the grocery store. Breath in the fresh air and enjoy the sounds of nature around you.

 

3. Rethink food scraps.

Approximately 30 to 40 percent of the U.S. food supply becomes waste, according to the USDA. Consider saving left overs from meals even if it is a small amount. Food shortages throughout parts of the US have made saving food more important. Consider freezing or packaging up food items that may expire sooner than you can consume them.

 

4. Watch a documentary about the Earth.

Cure your cabin fever with a documentary that reminds you of the Earth’s expansive beauty. On Netflix, check out Our Planet, a stunning docuseries hosted by David Attenborough that features beautiful footage and explores how climate change has impacted our world. Disney+ recently released Disneynature’s “Elephant” and “Dolphin Reef,” which come with a downloadable activity packet, perfect for kids learning from home.

 

5. Take a virtual field trip.

If you can’t get outside, bring the outdoors in with a virtual field trip: to the Great Wall of China, Maui, Mars, Egypt, Paris, and many more locations! We recently posted an article with a long list of virtual activities you can participate in! Check out the full list here!

 

Iscential will continue to monitor ongoing developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), please know that nothing will compromise our commitment to take care of customers like you and the things you trust us to insure. We remain available to provide the same level of service you have come to expect. Please advise our office if you want to submit any claim for coverage with your insurance companies.   For further assistance and help navigating your business through COVID-19 head to the Small Business Administration’s website here to find what resources are available for your business.