- Jenny Washam is the communications and outreach coordinator for Wisconsin’s Green Fire., a non-profit that Promoting Science-Based Management of the state’s natural resources.
- She offers practical tips for being a good steward of the planet at home.
Earth Day started right here in Wisconsin in 1970 by U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, becoming a celebration for the world of conservation and environmental science. And amid today’s climate crisis and heightened concern over the future, it is a reminder this is the only planet we have, and it is our responsibility to care for it.
Meeting today’s unique environmental challenges requires all of us to make earth-smart decisions, from the cars we drive, to our choices of energy to heat and power our homes, to the plants we choose to grow in our yards or on our porches. It is also important to remain engaged with our local community and the decisions that affect our health and the health of our planet. How do you do this? Read on for some practical tips on being an environmental steward on Earth Day and everyday:
Create a wildlife or pollinator friendly habitat
If you are a gardener, you are probably familiar with the notion of “Wildlife Friendly” or “Pollinator Friendly” habitats. Sometimes they’re indicated on signs in yards peeking out during the spring and summer among blooming native wildflowers, tall grasses, and yard gardens.
What does it mean to have a “wildlife friendly” space? According to the National Wildlife Federation, your garden space should include elements that provide food, water, cover, and places for wildlife to raise young, and sustainable gardening practices to maintain the space. Similarly, a “pollinator friendly” space requires native plants that support pollinator species like birds, insects, bees, and bats.
Select native plant species that bloom at different times
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has many resources on native plant species that support wildlife and pollinators in our home environments. Some spring-blooming species include wild geranium, columbine, downy serviceberry, and solomon’s seal, and some summer-blooming species include common milkweed and beebalm. You can view the DNR’s native plant resources here.
For further information, check out National Audubon Society’s Native Plants Database here, Wisconsin Pollinators catalog of native plant species here, and PlantNative’s resource for Wisconsin here.
What if you live downtown or don’t have a big yard for native plants? Don’t worry, there are many other ways to support our planet. Consider working a plot at a community garden.
Take advantage of tax credits, incentives for energy efficiency
We can all examine our energy use and find ways to increase our energy efficiency and switch to more efficient appliances and lighting. For home and business owners, the federal 2022 Inflation Reduction Act provides significant financial support to install clean energy sources.
The IRA provides $369 billion in new climate focused funding to allow anyone to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Wisconsin is well equipped to join in this movement and has already implemented projects and infrastructure to begin investing in clean energy options.
Through the IRA, citizens can receive tax credits for buying electric vehicles, or installing solar panels and storage batteries. The IRA also provides rebates for purchasing heat pumps, electric appliances, or investing in home energy-efficiency improvements. Read a breakdown of the bill’s elements from RENEW Wisconsin here.
Get involved and stay engaged in efforts to help the planet
On top of the practical changes we can make to help the planet, we also can remain engaged and active in our local communities, participate in local activities to steward natural resources, and stay informed on policies and recent news affecting the environment.
There are many resources to get plugged into your local community and find others who share a passion for environmental stewardship. Join local community-based organizations, attend a clean-up day at your local park or waterway, volunteer to plant trees or help control invasive species on public lands, or join an environmental organization’s mailing list.
Wisconsin’s Green Fire has published a series of policy analysis Opportunities Now papers that analyze priority conservation issues in Wisconsin, provide the best available scientific information on these issues, and recommend action steps for policy makers, scientists, and citizens to move forward.
Jenny Washam is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for Wisconsin’s Green Fire.