As the holiday weekend approaches, the approach we took to plan a trip down to the beach to make sure that we do not leave any trace of our presence.

Last year, I took my daughters to a local Earth Day event where we met a young girl author selling books she'd written about the environment. My girls were fascinated, and now her stories have become regular reads at home. I love the conversations they spark—even my 4- and 6-year-old had thoughts about e-waste last night!

We hosted our first ever powerpoint party! I learned some things and was vastly entertained by others. Community members (mostly friends) got to share what they were passionate about in an informal group setting, and it was a blast. I feel like I know all of them a little better now. I have hosted these individuals before, so there really was no challenge to it.

I attended a local clothing swap that takes place in my town. I have also donated some things that my brother and I decided we no longer needed while clearing out the garage. I also still have two more things I want to donate -- a crochet top that I made myself that I will never wear (next clothing swap) and an air fryer that we replaced with a larger model (I will give this to my friend once she moves here in a few months). Donating and upcycling is a vastly better choice than just throwing things away. You help others while you helf the environment. It also makes you focus more on the value of objects you own rather than seeing everything as easily disposable.

I chose to learn about the challenges on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota where they are still struggling to get access to clean water. I have also been reading articles on the impact of farming to our rivers and streams and how they challenge our water system in cities.

Over time I have learned to appreciate the recommended cleaning schedule for my teeth and how I can ensure a healthy body with just a few daily and quarterly actions