# DSCC marks 50th anniversary of Earth Day

/ Published April 21, 2020
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
                As the 50th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, the Environmental Division at the Defense Supply Center Columbus is working hard to meet a goal of becoming a certified USA Tree City through activities such as planting 100 trees in 2020.                            Earth Day 2020                            As the 50th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, the Environmental Division at the Defense Supply Center Columbus is working hard to meet a goal of becoming a certified USA Tree City through activities such as planting 100 trees in 2020.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyVIRIN: 200420-D-D0441-0157April 22 was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Nearly fifty years ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created and it’s important to note Ohio’s major part in this turning point in United States history.

One of the biggest environmental disasters in the country occurred in 1969 in Cleveland. A section of the Cuyahoga River caught fire due to the vast amounts of petroleum and chemicals dumped into it.  That event occurred soon after a huge oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in southern California. These events caused citizens to question the health of the environment and mobilize to action. The following year, the first Earth Day was born.

Here at the Defense Supply Center Columbus we’re taking action to ensure that our streams are clean and we always have much more than just one tree. In 2020, we’re planting over one hundred trees and we’ve taken additional actions to become certified as a USA Tree City.  The Environmental Division works closely with many entities to ensure that all DSCC projects are completed with consideration for maintaining a healthy environment. These efforts are great, but DSCC is only one property holder. There are so many things that associates can do at home to celebrate Earth Day!

Trees have so many benefits. They increase property values, wellness and energy efficiency of nearby structures as well as the ecological benefits.  We hope that you consider joining the movement to plant more trees!  If you live in Columbus, you can take part in the Urban Forestry Master Plan currently taking shape. If you live in other areas, you can contact your local representative and express your interest in the USA Tree City initiative. Any city can join.  Another great option is to simply plant a tree on your own property.  If you can, choose a native tree.  If trees are not your thing, there are so many beautiful native plants that you can choose.  You can even plant an area just for pollinators.  For more information, read the article on bringing your landscape to life.

                The Environmental Division at the Defense Supply Center Columbus recommends incorporating native plants and flowers into your landscaping to provide habitat and food for pollinators.                            Earth Day 2020                            The Environmental Division at the Defense Supply Center Columbus recommends incorporating native plants and flowers into your landscaping to provide habitat and food for pollinators.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Kristin MolinaroVIRIN: 200420-D-PB358-0261Some other great ideas for celebrating Earth Day at home:

- Renew your efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. Try repurposing items before trashing them or buying new. Don’t purchase more items than you need. Recycle whenever you can. Cardboard is a great item to start with. 

- Purchase sustainably-sourced or post-consumer recycled materials whenever you can.

- Join a community cleanup effort to pick up litter or start a movement (once it is again safe to do so).

- Talk to your children about the importance of protecting natural resources. There are many science and nature oriented activites that can entertain children of any age (and adults too). 

  - Take your car to a commercial car wash whenever possible. Washing a vehicle in your driveway leads to soap, oil and dirt draining into creeks, rivers and eventually into drinking water systems.

The Environmental Division wishes you a very happy Earth Day!  We’re disappointed that we had to postpone our Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration this year, but we will have a celebration at the installation Child Development Center at a later date. The center is now home to more than 50 trees we planted, and the children will help us celebrate their planting and express their love for trees through art and song.  Please see our website for additional environmental articles and resources.