Celebrate Earth Day in Southern Utah and tips to avoid food waste in your kitchen

Earth Day is a global celebration on April 22 encouraging education and stewardship of the planet’s natural resources. Whether in a backyard, neighborhood green space, or a National Park Service, this day provides everyone a time to learn about how each one of us can make a difference for our planet.

National Park Week is April 22 to April 30, 2023. Entrance fees will be waived on April 22, to kick off the celebration and encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks in person. National Park Service parks, programs, and partners will host events and activities all week! Follow National Park Week on social media and join the fun.

Bryce Canyon National Park is celebrating 100 years this year. Visit the Bryce Canyon Lodge auditorium to view a photo exhibition highlighting the last 100 years of Bryce Canyon history!

Cedar Breaks National Monument was designed an International Dark Sky Park a few years ago. This distinction recognizes Cedar Breaks as a sanctuary of natural darkness and provides visitors a chance to enjoy the night sky.

Zion National Park has two Park Ranger talks on Earth Day at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The first is from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the second is from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. A two-hour Pa’rus Trail Guided walk starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

The Zion Chalk & Earth Fest (formally known as Earth Day) will be held on the weekend of April 29 and April 30 at the Zion Canyon Village, 147 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale. There will be live music, a beer garden, food, educational vendors and for the first time chalk art! For any questions, or if you are interested in donating or participating, please contact Ryan Gubler at 435-772-3434 x312

Everyday Earth Day Tips – Food Waste
About one-third of all food (133 billion pounds) in the United States is thrown out each year, according to the Department of Agriculture. The cost of wasting food adds up quickly to the tune of about $160 billion. Here are some tips to reduce food waste in your kitchen:

1. Avoid overbuying. Take an inventory of pantry, refrigerator, and freezer before going to the store.
2. Create a meal plan. Buy a head of broccoli and use it as a side dish one night and in a casserole the next.
3. Freeze leftovers. If you don’t think you can eat your leftovers within three days, store them in the freezer and label them.
4. Buy only what you need. Buy fruits and vegetables that you can eat in one week. If you run out, have some frozen fruit and vegetables on hand that you can eat before you go back to the grocery story.
5. Compost. Backyard composting is a great way to keep food waste out of the landfill and provides nutrition for your garden. Look for small composting containers that you can keep in your home.
6. Before tossing food. Eat what is left in your fridge before getting takeout. Reward yourself by ordering your favorite takeout meal tomorrow night.
7. Be creative, recipes are guidelines. Missing an ingredient? Before running to the store, consider a substitution already in your refrigerator. Parsley for basil, mozzarella for ricotta, and carrots for sweet potatoes.

The History Channel has a complete list of shows and the history of Earth Day. Learn more at: Earth Day 2023 – Origins, Theme, Celebration (history.com).