Informative
Millennials Are Redefining Organic Freeze Dried Fruit Through Their Start-Ups 0
From the moment they reached adulthood and entered the workplace, millennials have pushed for change in many aspects of modern life - from politics to ecology. But the industry they influenced the most (or better yet, revolutionized) is the food industry.
According to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report(1), millennial households focus more on healthy foods (like fruits and vegetables) and less on processed goods (like pasta and chips). They also value convenience more than older generations; so, they consume more ready-to-eat and take-out meals than older generations.
Maybe that's why they've embraced many "unconventional" foods that past generations used to scoff at, such as organic freeze dried fruit (OFDF). However, things have changed. Not only are millennials willing to add organic freeze dried fruit to their cart, but some of them go as far as to build their start-ups around them - often using them in the most innovative ways.
So, if you want to delve deeper into the world of freeze-dried food, these four food products created by millennials will show you that there are many more ways to enjoy OFDF than straight out of the bag.
NurturMe - Mom Turns Dried Fruit into an Organic Baby-Food Empire
After having her first baby, new mom Caroline Freedman(2) was shocked at the poor quality and bad taste of ready-made baby food available on the market. Determined to change that, she and her friend, Lauren McCullough, set out to create a line of healthy and tasty baby foods made entirely from organic dried fruits and veggies.
The two women started experimenting by drying different fruits and veggies and blending them in order to come up with the tastiest combos. Through trial and error, they found the blends that resonated with them the most and launched them, covering kids of all ages, from infants to toddlers. One of the company's most delicious fruit blends is the "Ancient Grains," a tasty and nutritious mix of pineapple, banana, and oatmeal.
Urban Artifact Brewing Company - New-Age Brewery Uses Freeze Dried Fruit to Make "Astronaut Beer"
Last year, Urban Artifact Brewing Company(3), a Cincinnati-based brewery specializing in fruit beer, took a note from cosmonauts' menus and started working on a new beer line. The drink was labeled "Astronaut Food" and featured freeze dried fruit as the main ingredient. The limited-edition beer came with a high alcohol content (15% ABV) and was released in two unique flavors, blackberry-raspberry and blueberry. Due to the high cost of freeze dried fruit, the beer was somewhat pricey. But beer lovers who had the chance to taste the brew said it was well worth the splurge.
Kencko - Company Turns Organic Freeze Dried Fruit into Easy-to-Make Smoothies
Founded by Tomas Fores and Ricardo Vice Santos, Kencko(4) (which is Japanese for "health") was formed in 2016 after Fores was diagnosed with acute gastritis. The smoothie company was created with a simple goal in mind: to help 90% of adults who fail to meet the recommended servings of produce per day round out their daily meals in the easiest way possible.
Understanding that organic freeze dried fruits are as nutritious as fresh fruit (but come with a longer shelf life), the company decided to pulverize and pack them in single-serving pouches. This way, consumers can easily stir them in water or milk and create a nutritious drink on the go.
The smoothies are cataloged by color and purpose like the "Purples," which feature a mix of berries, bananas, and dates and promise to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. So, depending on your health goals and color preferences, you can choose the smoothie that suits you the most.
FRUUP - A Polish Company Creates the First Ever Freeze Dried Fruit Bars
Created by Celiko, a Polish manufacturing company specializing in dry food concentrates, FRUUP is the world's first freeze dried fruit bar. Boasting a natural ingredient list, the treat contains no added sugar and is rich in fiber and antioxidants. The bar tastes like sorbet, especially when frozen or dissolved in water. Thanks to its texture, it also crumbles easily and blends well with yogurt and cereal.
What innovative product would you make with a batch of organic freeze dried fruit? Let us know in the comment section down below!
References:
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/86401/eib-186.pdf?v=43097
- https://www.treehugger.com/moms-turn-dried-fruit-into-organic-baby-food-empire-4862430
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystoller/2021/02/19/what-will-they-think-of-next-freeze-dried-astronaut-beer/
- https://www.fastcompany.com/90650187/this-freeze-dried-smoothie-company-is-delicious-and-cost-effective
Will Organic Freeze Dried Vegetables Be on Everyone's Menu in the Future? 0
Be it your view on mental health or how you wash your hands, we all had to re-evaluate some of our preCOVID-19 habits following the onset of the pandemic. However, the one thing that required the most effort (but we all had to come to terms with) was the new status quo in grocery shopping.
Between empty supermarket shelves and food supply chains being pushed to their limits, we had to readjust the way we shopped to accommodate our new quarantined lifestyles. So, we stockpiled like crazy!
But with this new shopping philosophy came a new set of rules: from shopping in bulk to opting for foods that last longer. And this is how freeze dried vegetables came out of the astronaut shadows' and became a niche on their own.
But if you think that freeze dried food was just a pandemic trend, we're here to tell you that they're here to stay. In fact, here are five reasons why organic freeze dried vegetables (OFDVs) are a treat that future generations will swear by.
Organic Freeze Dried Vegetables: The Food of the Future?
If Covid-19 has taught us anything since it first came out, it's that our food supply chain - from farm to fork - is hanging on by a thread(1). We could blame it all on the increase in global demand for food(2) or the ever-decreasing numbers in the human workforce(3). But no matter the reasons, there's no denying that the production and distribution of fresh food are becoming an increasingly uphill task for both farmers and suppliers.
And that's why we're seeing a big surge in freeze dried vegetables. The once "bland space food" is turning into the next big thing in the food industry as its long shelf life has become a hot commodity for consumers, who now value shelf stability more than freshness.
After all, it's not uncommon for shoppers to run into empty supermarket shelves - which instantly makes organic crunchy peas a much wiser choice than, say, a pound of fresh peas that'll go bad in a week.
Besides, this never-go-bad nature isn't the only thing that makes organic freeze dried vegetables a future-proof pantry option, as today's crop of OFDVs is a far cry from MREs of the past. In fact, they're engineered to keep the food's nutritional profile intact and preserve its original flavor. So, it's basically like eating fresh produce (with the only exception that you must rehydrate it first).
But What is Freeze Drying, Anyway?
Also known as lyophilization, freeze drying(4) is a dehydration method during which certain foods are frozen so that their content in water turns into ice. Then, this ice is meticulously removed by sublimation. This method operates at low temperatures and eliminates the need for heat to remove the water (evaporation). As a result, the food's taste, nutritional value, and appearance remain intact. Freezing the food also inhibits the microbes from growing and spreading, which prevents the food from going bad quickly (hence OFDVs' long shelf life).
5 Reasons Why Freeze Dried Vegetables Are the Ultimate Future Food
• They're Healthy
We've all heard (or read) the rumors that freeze drying strips the food of its nutrients and leaves it an empty shell of a nosh. But the truth is quite different. The vegetables that go through freeze drying are actually harvested and preserved at the peak of their ripeness and nutrient content. As a result, they're just as nutritious and healthy as their fresh counterparts. And we should also mention that our variety is organic(5), meaning our products are grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and bioengineered genes (GMOs).
• They Have a Long Shelf Life
No matter what the future holds for the food industry, one thing is for sure: Organic freeze dried vegetables are an excellent way to ensure your eating habits from possible fluctuations in the market. Thanks to their long shelf life, OFDVs give you the chance to store your favorite produce for months (even decades at times) and enjoy them whenever the mood strikes - even if their prices skyrocket due to global shortage or when they're out of season.
• They Require Minimal Prepping
With the "epidemic of busyness"(6) being an everyday occurrence for most millennials (and probably Gen-Zers), skipping cooking seems like a legit way to save some minutes during the day. But OFDVs offer an alternative. Since these ingredients are cut and cooked before freeze drying, they require minimal prepping and could spare you from losing time in the kitchen. The only thing you have to do is soak them in water and get on with your recipe.
• They Are Versatile
Another advantage of organic freeze dried vegetables for future menus is their ability to fit almost any need and taste. Whether you want them cut into smaller pieces or preserved whole, these veggies can be part of every meal, from energizing breakfasts to hearty dinners. In some cases, you can even grind them into a fine powder and add them to smoothies or sauces. Such versatility will allow you to use OFDVs as a blank canvas for infinite recipes and make them work no matter what you make with them.
• They're Easy to Transport
Water makes up a large part of the food we eat. Vegetables(7), in particular, consist of more than 70% of water. Since most of the water is removed during freeze drying, organic freeze dried vegetables' overall mass decreases, making them lighter and easier to carry around. That could prove helpful in cases where people need to cross long distances to reach a destination and need to feed themselves along the way. Let's not forget that environmental migration is an imminent threat for most tropical and some continental populations.
Have you tried our organic freeze dried vegetables? If so, which are your favorites? Let us know in the comment section down below!
References:
- Impact of COVID-19 on the food supply chain | Food Quality and Safety | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
- Global Demand for Food Is Rising. Can We Meet It? (hbr.org)
- What’s Causing Supply Chain Issues? - Eater
- The Freeze-Drying of Foods—The Characteristic of the Process Course and the Effect of Its Parameters on the Physical Properties of Food Materials - PMC (nih.gov)
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm
- The epidemic of busyness - Alastair Humphreys
- Table - PMC (nih.gov)
How to Celebrate Friendship Day 2022 0
World Friendship Day, also known as International Day of Friendship, is observed annually on July 30th. On this day, appreciate your friends by sending cards and gifts, chatting over the phone, or going to your favorite hangout with friends.
Why Celebrate Friendship Day?
Friendships take numerous forms; you begin building them as children, and their significance changes throughout your lifetimes. You explored the world, exchanged experiences, and planned your future with your childhood friends and classmates. Although your paths eventually diverge and new people find a place in your social lives, you need to remember those who were with you from the beginning.
The world is expanding, and cultures are changing. Friendship allows you to grow and widen your horizons. The world eventually shrinks, and you get more connected through friendships. You broaden our worldview with each new friend. Their experiences add new meaning to your lives.
Friendship creates a better society of people who are there for each other by amassing connections of companionship and establishing strong ties of trust. When you fail or go through hard times, your friends are your support system. They encourage you when you need support and cheer you on to achieve your dreams.
Friends have demonstrated that they are always there for you after a challenging year. Use Friendship Day 2022 to celebrate the friendships you have in your life, or use it to reconnect with old friends and reignite that tie.
The History of World Friendship Day
In 1919, Hallmark established National Friendship Day. It was supposed to be a day when people would send each other cards to commemorate their friendship. (1) But, by 1940, the demand had stopped in the US and eventually faded altogether since people dismissed the day because they saw it as a money-making affair. (2)
However, several Asian countries adopted the concept and continued to have a day to celebrate friendships and share gifts. On July 30th, 1958, the World Friendship Crusade, an international civic organization that promotes a culture of peace through friendship, proposed the inaugural World Friendship Day. (3)
Then, in 1998, Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s Ambassador of Friendship by the United Nations. (2) Several years later, in April 2011, the United Nations General Assembly recognized July 30th as the International Day of Friendship, although some countries commemorate the day on the first Sunday of August. (3)
The official declaration encourages people to “observe this day in an acceptable manner, in line with their local, national, and regional communities’ culture and other appropriate conditions or customs, including raising public awareness.”(2). While this may appear to be excessive red tape and bureaucracy for something as broad as International Friendship Day, it is truly something to be proud of.
Because of the diversity of civilizations around the world, no one will commemorate this day in the same way, which is a beautiful phenomenon. Friendship has an international strength that stretches out to all countries and cultures worldwide.
Social media has contributed to the increased popularity of friendship day celebrations, just as other national day celebrations that seek to bring a sense of togetherness.
How to Celebrate World Friendship Day
There is no right or wrong way to celebrate your friends. All friendships, whether long-lasting or new, are different. You can celebrate each friendship whatever you want and choose to commemorate the memories you share in different ways.
Plan a trip
Traveling to your favorite destination with friends is a great way to mark Friendship Day. Decide with your friends the destinations that are meaningful to you both. It could be where you first met or a place you’ve always wanted to visit.
Have dinner with your pals
Everyone cannot manage to book a vacation in the middle of the year. So don’t be upset if your friends cannot join you on the trip. Close friends understand each other and plan for another time. If you both have busy schedules and cannot meet, you can plan to meet over lunch or dinner at your favorite restaurant. You can also cook your favorite recipes at home. Here are a few ideas that you can consider:
Call your friends
A simple phone call to check in could turn into an hour-long talk about life, the world, and everything in between. This is a terrific opportunity for long-lost pals to reconnect, reminiscence the good memories, and unload all the secrets that don’t make it onto social media. It’s always a terrific method for friends who keep in touch to find out what the other had for lunch and go over the weekend plans.
Teach your kids about friendship
It also good to teach children about friendship early on. Teachers can talk to their students about the importance of friendship and give them an essay writing contest to write about their best friends and what friendship means to them. They can create art, poems, and essays to share with their buddies.
Make new friends
Accept an invitation to socialize with new people. Don’t wait for your gym buddy to invite you for coffee, make that chance and you never know. You might form lifelong friendships you had no idea existed.
Send cards to your friends
Send a card to your friends. (This was the day’s intended goal.) Celebrate your existing friends as well as those you have just meet. Express your gratitude to your pals for their contribution to your life.
Share memories online
Share funny memories on social media with your friends. Ask your group of friends to share an experience that none of your other friends have had. You’ll discover new things about your buddies and realize how special they are. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #FriendshipDay or #InternationalFriendshipDay to urge others to connect.
Friendship Day, more than ever, is the perfect time to show love and appreciation to your buddies and let them know how much you love and cherish them. It’s also a chance to reach out to friends you’ve lost touch with. Don’t let the day pass before commemorating the great friendship that you have in your life,
Happy Friendship Day from Mother Earth Products.
References
9 Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Father's Day 0
Celebrated on the third Sunday of June, Father's Day has always been the perfect time to honor the father figure in your life – whether it's your Dad, grandpa, stepdad, or even uncle. And yes, a card, a gift, or a simple phone call is enough to show that you care. But wouldn't it be nice to make them feel special and create lifelong memories with them? Just pick any of the following Father's Day activities based on his interests and hobbies. Equal parts thoughtful and fun, all these activities have exactly what it takes to make this day memorable not just for your Dad but for the entire family.
1. Take a Hike in the Woods
If your Dad, grandpa, or father-in-law is a fan of the great outdoors, take them out for a hike to the nearest park or forest. Equip yourself with the necessary gear, trace the best possible trail (a.k.a. the one he'll like the most), and pack enough food to fuel your adventure (trail mix, anyone?). If you're feeling playful, you can even hide a small present for him at the end of the trail and leave a list of riddles and clues along the road so that he'll follow them and head straight to his gift.
Perfect for: Outdoorsy Dads
2. Have a Backyard Movie Night
Another great way to make this Father's Day memorable is to turn your backyard into a personalized movie theater. Just set a projector on a table and a big screen against your wall/fence and give your Dad the cinema experience he deserves. To make things more exciting, have every family member write down their movie suggestions, and pick one at random. You can even make some snacks in advance and serve them during screening.
Perfect for: Cinephile Dads
3. Go for a Family Bike Ride
Between personalized gifts and wishes created just for him, Father's Day may often feel like a standardized interaction between a man and his child. But this year, you could make Father's Day a family matter and engage all family members in one shared activity. And what better Father's Day activity than going on a family bike ride?
All you have to do is to scope out your Dad's go-to trails in advance or maybe ask him to take the lead and show you his favorite ones. You can even plan for a picnic at a nearby square or pick a cozy spot as your ride through the park.
Perfect for: Active Dads
4. Throw a Backyard BBQ
If your Dad knows his way around a smoker or a grill, give him an excuse to fire it up by throwing a backyard BBQ party. Soak up some of his wisdom by learning all about his signature marinades and how he helms the grill. Introduce him to some of your recipes or tricks, and wow him with the sides you'll make to compliment his perfectly grilled burgers and veggies. You can even invite non-family members to this party (like neighbors or close friends) and honor him by sharing fun stories and memories of him.
Perfect for: Dads who are Masters of the Grill
5. Tend the Garden
If your Dad likes spending time in the garden, it'd be a good idea to join him this Father's Day in this calming hobby. Go next to him and see how he takes care of the plants, ask him what you can do to help, and maybe pick the fruits or vegetables that are fully ripe. You'd be surprised at how you two can bond by talking about tomatoes and herbs. You can take this whole gardening experience a step further (and into the kitchen) by cooking a meal with the produce you just harvested.
Perfect for: Dads with a Green Thumb
6. Make Family Crafts
Crafting is another excellent way to bring the family together on Father's Day and create some beautiful gifts that are 100% tailored to Dad's needs. So, depending on his personality and interests, you can make anything from a hammer card(1) (if he's handy) to a tin can pencil holder(2) (if he cares for the environment). Whether he's into arts or not, we're sure he'll want to get his hands elbow-deep in paint – especially if they're all creating something for him. PS: If the kids' creations are good enough, they can double as homemade gifts. So, it's a win-win!
Perfect for: Artsy dads
7. Have a Family Game Night
Let Dad lean into his gaming side by playing some of his favorite board or video games (Monopoly, Jenga, Fortnite, etc.). You can also start working on a puzzle together or play a round of cornhole in the backyard (that is, if he's more into active games). You can even have a family trivia night that'll build your brain power and make you laugh all in one go.
Perfect for: Gamer Dads
8. Make Science
While a pair of atom socks or a Pi tie would look great on a brainiac Dad for Father's Day, nothing would please him more than to conduct his own experiments with you by his side. So, pick which elements or phenomena would be the coolest to explore, gather all the necessary equipment (such as goggles, bottles, test tubes, etc.), and start working on the experiments. Depending on which science field you want to delve into, you can make anything from your own lava lamp(3) to a balloon-powered car(4).
Perfect for: Brainiac Dads
9. Visit a Museum or Nearby Historical Site
A Dad with a knack for history would love nothing more than to celebrate Father's Day at a local museum. Surrounded by artifacts and remnants of the past, he'll rejoice at the chance to share his knowledge and perhaps learn a thing or two about his favorite era. If there's no museum nearby, you could also visit a local historical site and let him go through the gobs of info, memorabilia, and photos that they have on display.
Perfect for: History Buff Dads
So, how do you plan on spending Father's Day? Got any special plans? Let us know in the comment section down below!
References:
7 Creative Ways to Celebrate the National Brother’s Day 0
May 24th is National Brother’s Day. It is a day to celebrate the contribution of your male siblings and the unique bond that you share. The bond between siblings is naturally strong because you’ve grown up together, played, and gotten into trouble. It forms the first friendships in your life. The good news is that the fights and childhood rivalry were nature’s way of building your bond and making you closer.
Brother’s Day is the best time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions of your brother to your life. Having a brother is like having a friend, a playmate, and a protector in one person. They may drive you crazy, but you love them to bits.
The “bro code” is strong among men and even though there is no blood relation, that means having a strong brotherhood bond. While having a sibling is normal for most people, those born alone will tell you how they wish they had a sibling to fight and share memories with. You may not have a blood brother, but you can celebrate the men in your life who count as brothers and may have filled the void, such as friends, cousins, or brother-in-law.
Often brothers are hard to celebrate. You can buy flowers or chocolate for your sister, but arranging a surprise or gift for your brother can be confusing. Worry no more. In this article, we share a few tips for celebrating your brother.
Why Is Brother’s Day Special?
A brother’s love is unconditional
You may have grown apart as adults and live independently, but a brother’s love is forever. A brother’s love is not only pure and unconditional, but it never fades. They care for you without expecting anything in return and understand you like no one else. That’s reason enough to celebrate them.
Brothers will always have your back
Your male siblings are often your pillar of strength and are always with you in hard times. Brothers protect and guide you through your struggles and always be there for you. They accept you for who you are.
Your brother is your confidant
Your male siblings are probably the most annoying person you know but still your closest friend. They are confidants you can trust with your issues, because they will rarely tell on you. They have probably kept your secrets safe since you were young. Therefore, you are confident that they will cheer you up and give you advice no matter your challenges.
What Is the History of Brother’s Day?
National Brother’s Day is mainly celebrated in the United States, but other countries also acknowledge the day on May 24: Australia, Russia, India, France, and Germany. In some places, National Brother’s Day is an unofficial holiday. Please note that National Brother’s Day is different from National Siblings’ Day, which is celebrated in April.
Brother’s Day has been celebrated on May 24th since 2005. The first holiday was organized by Daniel Rhodes, based in Alabama, although the exact details are not known.
How to Celebrate Brother’s Day
Are you wondering what to buy for your brother on Brother’s Day? A brother is important in your life, and their value cannot be measured. You can share anything with them, and be sure they’ll keep your secret and give you the right advice. Here are some creative ideas to celebrate your brother in style and make them feel special.
Spend time with him
Your time is just as important as your money, and it is said that people make time for those they value. The best idea is to get in touch with your brother whether they live around you or are far away. Accompany your brothers to their favorite joint, watch their favorite game, or movie. If you have not seen each other for a while, it is the best time to get in touch and reminisce your childhood memories.
Share his photos on social media
Share stories and fun memories with your brother on social media. Make sure to use the social media hashtag #brothersday. You can also share your favorite brother’s quotes. Here are a few examples:
“It was nice growing up with someone like you – someone to lean on, someone to count on… someone to tell on!” -Unknown
“Sometimes, being a brother is even better than being a superhero.” -Marc Brown
“A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.” -Unknown
“Brothers don’t necessarily have to say anything to each other – they can sit in a room and be together and just be completely comfortable with each other.” -Leonardo DiCaprio
Get him a surprise gift
There are no guidelines for buying men a treat. A surprise gift will brighten their day and make them feel so happy, and make Brother’s Day memorable. You can buy him a book, movie ticket, or his favorite wine or whisky. You can also get him a gift card from his favorite online shopping store, whether a video game, a pair of shoes, or something they love.
Another great gift for men can be a lavish grooming gift hamper with essential oils for the face and beard especially made for men.
Plan a holiday or road trip
Trips are fun for friends, but for siblings, it’s magic. Plan for a holiday or road trip with your brothers or those you consider brothers to their favorite destination and enjoy the adventure together.
Host a surprise party
Plan a surprise party and invite your brothers or close male friends. You can involve your other siblings and parents to make it more entertaining. If you organize a dinner with all your family members, make up a trivia game with questions about your childhood. Get more ideas from the internet to come up with a questionnaire.
Take him out for dinner
Invite your brother for dinner at his favorite restaurant and catch up. You can surprise him or tell him in advance so that he doesn’t cancel on you because he’s busy. It can help you strengthen your bond and get to know how they are doing, especially if you live in separate locations and only meet up during holidays,
Give them a call
If you live far apart and cannot meet, a phone or video call is the best way to hook up. Although male siblings rarely engage in long chats, unlike female siblings, they will be happy to hear you celebrate them. You can also send them a gift, like their favorite wine. They will sip it after a long day while thinking about you.
Love them or hate them, a brother is irreplaceable. They love you back; they probably don’t admit it or say it often. Make sure that you set a reminder so that you don’t forget to tell your brothers how much you love and appreciate them on Brother’s Day.
References
8 Creative Ways to Celebrate Arbor Day 0
Ushering in a season full of new plants, flowers, and trees, April has long been synonymous with rejuvenation and regrowth. So, it makes perfect sense that this month hosts one of the most important eco-conscious celebrations, known as Arbor Day.
Equal parts movement and holiday, Arbor Day is a tribute to nature and forest life as a whole. So, whether you want to pay homage to this day by doing something solo or organizing an event with your friends, family, and coworkers, these eight creative activities will help you make the most out of this special day.
What is Arbor Day?
Celebrated on the last Friday of April (that'd be the 29th for 2022), Arbor Day(1) is a holiday that celebrates nature – and, specifically, trees. Its purpose is to encourage people to plant, upkeep, and preserve trees in their communities, giving Earth a much-needed oxygen boost. Arbor Day can also be a great way to teach yourself and your little ones more about forest life and its contribution to the Earth's ecosystem, mainly through fun activities and collective actions.
1. Plant a Tree
The most obvious way to show your appreciation for nature on Arbor Day is to plant a tree yourself. You can either plant a specific variety of trees in your backyard (say, apple trees) or fill up a small clearing with pine trees in a nearby forest. Either way, make sure to check if the laws in your state allow such actions before you proceed.
While you can do this activity solo, you could share the joys of tree-planting with friends, family, or even coworkers by joining a related event where you'll pick the perfect spot, dig some holes, and tuck the young roots into the fertile soil. #TheJoysOfGardening
2. Create a Plant Scrapbook
Another engaging way to celebrate Arbor Day is to create your own plant scrapbook. While it may sound like a tedious job, it's actually pretty fun and could intrigue your kid's curiosity (if you want to engage in this activity with your family). You could also go at it solo; in which case, you could look for rarer and more intriguing plant varieties.
To create the scrapbook, just gather the most common (or photogenic) leaves and tree flowers that you can find in your area, dry them out, and attach them to a notebook (customized or not). To complete the task, write the name of each flower or leaf and mention a few fun facts about it.
3. Clean Up a Nearby Site
While trees feed on decomposing matter, there's a certain type of debris that shouldn't be near their roots. We're talking about plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, glass bottles, and even fabrics. To help trees thrive even more, you could organize a local clean-up event on Arbor Day, where members of your community will clear up the trash from a nearby park or forest. You can hit two birds with one stone by recycling the items that can be recycled out of the debris you just collected.
4. Practice Sustainable Eating
As we become more aware of how our food habits impact the environment, we realize that plants are essential to sustainable eating. So, in honor of Arbor Day, you could make a dish that features all the fantastic edibles that grow on trees, from fruits like apples and cherries to unique ingredients like maple syrup and nuts. This culinary take on the holiday could inspire you (and perhaps the people around you) to practice sustainable eating more often and is also a great way to acknowledge how trees contribute to our living.
5. Take a Nature Walk
Since Arbor Day falls the same time that spring shows its first signs, Arbor Day is the perfect excuse to take your first hike of the season. Just pick your favorite trail (or one you haven't explored yet) and sink into nature's beauty. Look twice as you spot a budding or a century-old tree and identify each species with the help of a book or a guide. If you're living close to a national park(2), you can even plan a day-long hike with your family or friends and make sure you chat with the rangers and learn more about the different tree species that thrive in the region. To make your nature walk even more exciting, you can even throw a picnic somewhere along the way – perhaps when you reach a small glade or a stream.
6. Host a "Green" Expo
Doing something on your own sure is impressive. But engaging others into celebrating Arbor Day is where you could really make a change. So, if you're willing to get others into the tree-planting spirit, you could host a "green" expo at your workplace. Just feature local agencies and businesses that promote or organize tree-planting activities and drives.
And yes, this activity is tailored to coworkers and neighborhood committees. But if you feel like it, you could also host an informal "expo" for your family members. Just invite them to participate in "green" activities around the house, from composting dead leaves and foliage to making room for a seasonal garden to planting trees that benefit pollinators (think bees, butterflies, etc.)
7. Make Ornaments for Your Backyard Trees
If your thumb is more brown than green and crafts are more up your alley, you could make a few ornaments to dazzle your backyard trees (or even indoor plants). Just draw a few small paper windows and a door and stick them on a tree trunk to make it look like a garden gnome lives in it. Or paint a tire and hang it on a branch so that you can sow your climbing plants in it without them crowding your walls. You could even paint a tree stump to make it look like a mosaic. The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas!
8. Learn More About the History of Arbor Day
Perfect for your inner bookworm, this activity will not only inspire you to participate in this holiday but will also make you want to raise awareness in the years to come. Unlike many similar holidays (like Earth Day, which counts just 50+ short years), Arbor Day has a long history – and an interesting one at that. It all started when pioneers in the Nebraska region noticed the lack of trees in the surrounding area. So, newspaper editor and local J. Sterling Morton decided to do something about it by forming civic groups that planted trees every chance they got. But what started as mere enthusiasm of one individual grew into a yearly tradition for many over the years. Check the official Arbor Day Foundation(3) page for more facets of the holiday's fascinating history.
How would you like to celebrate Arbor Day? Let us know in the comment section down below!
