When it comes to Earth Day, the general thought is to increase your recycling for a day, use less water, maybe make an Instagram post if you're feeling extra, and that's about it. However, there's more you can to do celebrate the lovely little planet we live on than just changing your habits for a day. How about getting out and actually seeing what you are supposed to be celebrating, and see what it is you can lose if we don't start changing our actions? Here are five things you can do around Tampa and around USF to celebrate on April 22nd.
1. Visit USF Botanical Gardens
The USF Botanical Gardens is approximately 16 acres with a "living collection of more than 3,000 of plants, animals, and natural habitats" according to their website. Students of USF get in for only $1, and you can spend the day admiring the wildlife, doing homework outdoors, and even picnicking or walking around with friends. The gardens support research opportunities for USF, while also attracting outside visitors to admire the collections and have some fun of their own. You can also shop at the gift shop to help support their ongoing efforts while getting some new appreciation for the land around our campus.
2. Visit a nearby beach
There are numerous beaches around Tampa, and this time of year is when it begins to be the perfect time to go. It isn't too hot, it isn't too cold, and who doesn't love spending a day at the beach with friends? St. Pete Beach is around 45 minutes away, Clearwater is an hour and a half, Honeymoon Island State Park is an hour, and that's only to name a few.
These trips are practically free, minus gas and if you want to get a Pub-Sub, and you're celebrating Earth Day while doing something you already love. Plus, you can always pick up some trash you see while you're there!
3. Go to Tampa's EcoFest 2018
EcoFest is an event held on April 22nd specifically to celebrate Earth Day! It's held at the Lowry Park bandshell and goes all afternoon, and is totally free to the public! Vendors, educators, informational booths, and artists are only some of the events going on throughout the day. The celebration is put on by Learning Gate Community School, the City of Tampa and USF Health, all working together to promote support for the environment.
4. Take a trip to Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park is located right outside USF on Fletcher Avenue and is a 240-acre nature park. Open for hiking, biking, kayaking, and even fishing, it makes for a great nature park to visit and spend the day at. It only costs $8 a car to get in, and to take a guided tour of the park is only an additional $5 a person. Guests are welcome to explore on their own and spend the day however they'd like, and there are even specific areas for barbequing and picnicking welcome for use. As one of the most popular parks in Hillsborough County, Lettuce Park makes for a great place to celebrate the planet!
5. Just spend time outside
If you can't leave campus or have limited time on your hands, just take some time to spend outside! You could do homework, find an intramural, hammock, or even just take a walk around campus. The point of Earth Day is to celebrate and protect the planet, and you can appreciate it simply by going right outside your dorm.
There is a ton of open area and places to go around campus, so take advantage of what you have at your disposal! It's even as easy as eating outside the hub as opposed to inside!
April 22nd goes by usually unnoticed or celebrated for one day and that's it. However, by taking the time to go outside and really take in the scenery around you, you can set a new mindset to have even after Earth Day passes.
Of course, cutting water use, recycling, and using reusable bottles helps and is definitely encouraged, don't forget to remember why those actions are pushed. We've got beautiful planet supporting us, and we should take the time this Earth Day to appreciate it.
