How Can We Help Preserve Our Local Beaches & Parks?
beach clean up with @artisthiltonalves pictured above
Happy Earth Day!
In a community so dedicated to the outdoors, Earth Day holds a special place in our hearts. We're connected to the water: our founder, Tommy Bonacci, earned "the Bomber" as a nickname for his skills in the waves. But Bomber Eyewear wouldn't be what it is today without the conservation efforts surrounding Tommy's favorite beaches and parks.
That's why, this year, we're challenging YOU! What can you do this Earth Day to take care of your local parks?
We've collected ten ways to make a difference in your local ecosystem. This year, in honor of Earth Day, pick your favorite and give back to our wonderful planet!
- Organize a Beach Cleanup day. Gather friends and family, pull on your plastic gloves, and spend a day cleaning up your local beach. Finish up with an evening picnic to watch the sun set over all your hard work! (Just be sure to honor beach closures and practice social distancing, whenever necessary!)
- Hold a fundraiser for your neighborhood park. If you can't volunteer your time, hosting a fundraiser is a great way to support local parks. Many national and local parks operate on a volunteer basis, with very small budgets for education and conservation. Make a difference by collecting for a neighborhood park. This is a great option for businesses as well as individuals!
- Contribute to (or start!) a community garden. If you live in an urban area, your "local park" probably doesn't look the same as one in the suburbs. Some cities offer grants or other support programs to improve urban food choices: a community garden is a great way to go green while supporting your community!
- Plant some trees. Across April and May, many national parks organize community planting days, where you can volunteer to plant trees, flowers, and other species that boost your park's ecosystem. If there isn't a program like this available, make your own! Work directly with park management to plan an event, fundraise, and gather volunteers. Just be sure to do your research first about potential protected or invasive species!
- Invite a park ranger to speak at your kids' school. An excellent way to raise awareness and spread education is with a presentation at a local school. If your school is open to the idea, arrange for a park ranger to stop by and speak to the students about taking care of the environment.
- Brush up on local conservation laws. Are there any protected flora species in your city? What's the actual fine for littering? And do you know the Fire Safety Checklist? Devote a few hours this month to learning more about local conservation efforts, and finding ways you can contribute during your daily routine.
- Create a multi-use project for a local park. Multi-use projects offer some of the most efficient options for supporting the environment--plus, they're downright cool! In a famous example from 2018, Angela Haseltine Pozzi and her team collected trash from the beaches on the Oregon coast. Pozzi then turned this collected trash into gorgeous works of art that represent the beauty of our beaches--along with a more pressing message about the importance of conservation. Art projects are a great way to get kids involved, but you could also sponsor an eco-focused project like a picnic area with a green roof.
- Volunteer as a lifeguard or park ranger. Remember what we said about national parks and low budgets? A great way to support local parks is by volunteering your time. Beaches and lakes can always use extra lifeguards, and many ranger stations take on volunteers during busy seasons. Find out ways you can help by contacting your local park authority!
- Take only pictures, leave only footprints. We all know that saying! It's common sense not to litter, but did you know that photos can be a great way to support your local parks? Sharing photos of flora and fauna on social media can get the word out about hidden gems in your community, and boost income for parks that charge for parking or annual passes.
- Sponsor a park or endangered species. This last one is fun for families and businesses alike! Find an organization that offers honorary sponsorships, for locations as well as for endangered species. A good place to start is the World Wildlife Fund's Symbolic Species Adoptions, where your donation supports the preservation of an endangered species--and earns you a collection of educational resources! Many parks offer similar sponsorship programs--just reach out!
Here at Bomber Eyewear, we're dedicated to supporting our communities. Our Earth is our home, and our favorite beaches, parks, and natural landmarks wouldn't be the same without the incredible work of conservationists around the world!