FOR STARTERS columns
Numerous ways to celebrate March
ECO JUSTICE MARY RILEY
It ’ s March ! For many Hoosiers this is a really big deal because it is the time of year when basketball fever reaches a peak and March Madness begins . March is also the month we celebrate St . Patrick ’ s Day . And of course , it ’ s the month that Daylight Saving Time will have us springing forward . Losing an hour of sleep is always painful but gaining an extra hour of daylight in the evening will eventually make us forget our struggle .
There ’ s plenty of other celebratory days on the March calendar that include religious observations , federal holidays , causes and just things for fun . March is when we observe National Dadgum That ’ s Good Day , National Tartar Sauce Day , National Proofreading Day and National If Pets Had Thumbs Day . And although Earth Day is celebrated in April , March also has several lesser-known days that focus on sustainability and the environment . Here are a few interesting ones to take a look at and possibly celebrate .
World Wildlife Day , March 3
This annual day was created to raise awareness of endangered species and plants . It was proposed by Thailand in the United Nations in 2013 and first celebrated in 2014 .
Plant Power Day , March 7
Have you ever considered the benefits of a plant-based diet ? This day established in 2018 may be relatively new but vegetarianism and veganism have been around a long time . When you consume less or no meat it is not only beneficial for your health but also better for the environment .
Plant a flower day , March 12
Flowers make people happy . While March may not be the ideal time in Indiana to plant some types of flowers , according to Candace Minster , White Violet Center flower and fiber coordinator , it is a good time to seed poppies , calendula , stock , yarrow , Queen Ann ’ s lace and snapdragons .
Learn About Butterflies Day , March 14
Butterflies are beautiful but they are also very important because they pollinate flowers . This day was created to help people
Take a Walk in the Park Day is March 30 .
understand why they are such an important part of our ecosystem . If you like butterflies try growing nectar-producing flowers in your garden this year .
Giant Panda Bear Day , March 16
Pandas officially were upgraded from endangered to vulnerable in 2019 . While this is good news there are still less than 2,000 pandas living in the wild . Pandas , just like butterflies , are an integral part of the ecosystem .
Global Recycling Day , March 18
Although recycling has been around for many years , this day actually wasn ’ t officially recognized by the United Nations until 2018 . Recycling is good but reducing is even better .
International Day of Forests , March 21
Forests are important for so many reasons . We need trees and plants to provide oxygen . They also help with the climate and are an integral part of the water system .
World Water Day , March 22
It is a human right that everyone deserves access to clean , safe drinking water .
National Ag Day , March 23
National Agriculture Day is celebrated during National Agriculture Week . Most of us take where our food comes from for granted . This day helps us remember our farmers and growers who dedicate themselves to this industry .
Earth Hour , March 26
On the last Saturday of March people are encouraged to switch off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p . m . to show their commitment to the future of the planet . It ’ s also a way to show that small changes done on a massive scale can produce big results .
Weed Appreciation Day , March 28
To be perfectly clear , Weed Appreciation Day is for actual weeds . Some weeds are beneficial and play an important role in our ecosystem . Dandelions , while considered a weed , are edible and have medicinal benefits . And they are usually the first flower we all pick and give to our mama . Don ’ t hate the weeds .
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day , March 29
Two words : buy local . You ’ re supporting your community and helping the environment by reducing the carbon footprint caused by importing food and goods from other parts of the country and world . While it ’ s impossible to buy everything from locally-owned businesses , do what you can .
Take a Walk in the Park Day , March 30
This holiday was established to help people reconnect with nature . We have some amazing parks in the Wabash Valley and surrounding region . Go out and explore .
If you ’ re interested in learning about these days or other days during the year I found most of these listed at nationaltoday . com . And if you don ’ t see one you like that ’ s alright because March 26 is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day !
Mary Riley is the marketing manager for several ministries of the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the- Woods . They include the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice , tours and volunteers .
March 2022 • Terre Haute Living 9