We live in a beautiful bubble in the Nonahood. We can sustain nearly all our needs in a five-mile radius. Even as our community grows, we still have a small town feel, and it’s nice to hear someone say they live in Lake Nona when you are visiting downtown. We are connected as people of the Nonahood. 

As humans, we have a unique connection to the Earth and all its wonders. We are part of a massive ecosystem, and the world around us is full of incredible beauty from the stars in the sky to the tiniest insect. But, as humans, we often forget to show appreciation for the planet we inhabit. As Earth Day approaches, here are a few ideas on how to show appreciation and connection to the planet we all share.

Appreciating our planet isn’t just about admiring its natural beauty; it’s also about recognizing the many ways in which it sustains us and our own personal connection to it. Our planet provides us with the food, water and air we need to survive, and it’s our responsibility to take care of it. To show appreciation for the Earth, we need to think more deeply about how we interact with it.

One of the most important ways to show appreciation for the planet and express our connection to it is to practice sustainable living. This means making sure that we are using resources responsibly and minimizing our impact on the environment. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as reducing our consumption of resources, using renewable energy sources, and recycling when possible. Our local Goodwill has excellent options to reuse clothing and homeware. 

Here are some ideas on how to incorporate sustainable living at home:

1. Plant a garden or a tree. This is a great way to connect to the Earth while also doing something beneficial for the environment. 

2. Make a commitment to reduce your energy consumption. Unplugging appliances when not in use or switching to energy-efficient light bulbs are two small but effective ways to reduce your energy consumption. 

3. Compost food scraps and other organic waste. Composting helps to reduce landfill waste and can also provide your garden with nutrient-rich soil. 

4. Cut down on water consumption by reducing your sprinkler time. Remember, Orange County switches to two days a week for irrigation during this time. It rains so much, you might get away with minimal irrigation time.

Another way to show appreciation for the Earth is to get involved in local environmental initiatives. Whether it’s planting trees, helping to clean up a local beach, or participating in a public meeting about environmental issues, taking part in environmental activism demonstrates our appreciation for the planet and our commitment to protecting it. You can stay in the Nonahood and volunteer at Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge on the southern end of Narcoossee. You can even begin initiatives at work by starting a recycling program or organizing a volunteer event. 

Finally, taking the time to simply appreciate the natural beauty of the Earth is a great way to show our connection to it. Here in Florida, we can appreciate so much of nature! We have beaches and springs, lakes and rivers, and alligators and birds! Whether it’s going for a hike in Split Oak, watching the sunset at Moss Park, or simply taking a few moments to observe the beauty of nature, these small acts of appreciation can make a big difference in how we connect to the planet. 

By taking the time to appreciate the Nonahood and more importantly the Earth and our connection to it, we can demonstrate our gratitude for all that it provides us with. It’s important to remember that we are only here for a limited time, and it’s our responsibility to take care of the planet so that others can enjoy its beauty in the future. Showing appreciation for the Earth is one of the most important ways that we can express our connection to it and celebrate Earth Day!