Stratum Resource post, Earth Day Celebration

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd to raise awareness about the environment and to promote the conservation and protection of the planet. It was first celebrated in 1970, and has since grown into a global movement, with millions of people participating in various activities to show their support for environmental protection.  

The idea for Earth Day came from a U.S. Senator named Gaylord Nelson, who was concerned about the environmental damage caused by industrialization and wanted to raise public awareness about the issue. He chose April 22nd as the date for Earth Day because it fell between spring break and final exams at most colleges, making it an ideal time for students to get involved. 

Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 190 countries around the world, with a wide range of events and activities. These include tree plantings, beach cleanups, recycling drives, educational programs, and more. Many people also use Earth Day as an opportunity to make lifestyle changes that are more sustainable, such as reducing their energy use, switching to renewable energy sources, or cutting back on single-use plastics. 

One way our partner, Natures Crops International, is taking care of the planet is through the farming of their Ahiflower® crops. Ahiflower, rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, is a product of regenerative agriculture which is a system that emphasizes the restoration and improvement of soil health, while also promoting biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and community well-being. It is a holistic approach to farming that seeks to work with natural systems to build healthy soils, grow nutritious crops, and support healthy ecosystems. 

Regenerative agriculture is based on a set of principles that focus on soil health, ecosystem diversity, and social well-being. These principles include minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing soil cover with living plants and/or organic matter, maintaining biodiversity on and around the farm, using natural pest management techniques, and prioritizing social and economic equity in farming communities. 

One of the key goals of regenerative agriculture is to improve the health and function of soils. This is done by reducing or eliminating tillage, using cover crops and crop rotations to build soil organic matter, and minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. By building healthy soils, regenerative agriculture can help to mitigate climate change, as healthy soils store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Overall, regenerative agriculture represents a more holistic and sustainable approach to farming, which recognizes the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems. It seeks to create farming systems that are more resilient, productive, and equitable, while also promoting the long-term health and well-being of the environment and communities.