Category: October 01

  • NATIONAL GREEN CITY DAY | October 1

     

    NATIONAL GREEN CITY DAY | October 1

    On October 1 we celebrate National Green City Day to highlight the progress and innovations cities are making to become more sustainable.

    #NationalGreenCityDay

    There are so many exciting innovations that cities across the country are implementing to become eco-friendly. This National Day gives everyone the chance to highlight milestones addressing the issue of climate change. The day also encourages people to share various eco-friendly ideas and solutions to meet the need of sustainable urban planning.

    What is a green city? Also known as a sustainable city, a green city is a city that is addressing social, environmental, and economic impacts through building eco-friendly alternatives by removing harmful chemicals and waste from communities. While ways to help the planet is essential to sustainability, reducing costs and creating a vibrant culture for citizens are equally important. Through planned infrastructure, green cities can leave behind a net zero footprint for a more sustainable world and create vibrant, healthier spaces for everyone.

    Why are green cities important? According to a recent UN report, around 2.5 billion more people will be living in cities by 2050, highlighting the need for sustainable urban planning and public services. Green cities:

    • Lower emissions.
    • Conserve energy.
    • Reduce waste.
    • Ensure rich biodiversity.
    • Increase housing density and improve public health.
    • Encourage the development of sustainable local businesses.

    Becoming A Green City

    Cities across the world are implementing changes to become more eco-friendly for future generations. As population increases, so does the emission of pollution. By supporting efforts and everyone doing their part, cities are learning to live more sustainably and preserve their natural resources. The future is urban and sustainability is the way forward.

    Urban Green Spaces

    Maintaining parks, wetlands, open green spaces, hiking trails, community, and rooftop gardens are all ways to bring nature into the city. Fortunately, cities have dedicated green spaces that bridge the gap between urban and natural environments. Urban green spaces can boost mental/physical health while reducing the effects of heat, pollution, and traffic noise. These spaces also support greater urban biodiversity by providing safe refuge and food for local wildlife.

    Transportation

    Improving transportation options in a city promotes green city living. Cities can repair or create new bike paths to encourage biking to destinations rather than driving. Public transportation companies can support green living by investing in clean technology for trains and buses. In addition, public transportation can reevaluate their routes to meet the needs of pollution laws and still serve commuters effectively.

    Solar Energy

    Increasing use of solar panels to produce energy will reduce the number of emissions from fossil fuels. They can also help alleviate the damage of smog, acid rain, and contaminated water sources. In addition, renewable energy projects increase city resilience by reducing dependence on the grid in times of natural disasters. In fact, many cities are offering bulk purchasing options, lowering the cost for everyone involved.

    Waste Management

    For a city to be successful at becoming a green city, urban dwellers must participate in the process and rethink buying habits. Several cities have already banned the use of plastic straws, plastic bags, and plastic foam products (Styrofoam). You can help by reducing your household plastic consumption and reusing as much as possible. When recycling, remember to place your items in the appropriate bins. The most successful green cities have reliable drop-off locations that are not only convenient, but easy to access. Green cities have location drop offs for:

    • Paper
    • Plastic
    • Cans
    • Electronics
    • Food waste

    GO GREEN

    • Bike to work to save money, time, and the environment.
    • Green your rooftop or balcony by adding plants.
    • Create outdoor spaces to promote physical activity.
    • Shop at a farmers’ market or start a community garden in your neighborhood.
    • Support preservation of natural habitats and landscapes.
    • Make a plan to go plastic-free.
    • Carpool to reduce vehicle emissions.
    • Enjoy an outdoor picnic and collect natural items that can be used for a fun art project.
    • Organize your own event at a local park and celebrate all the ways your city is going green.
    • Recycle and reuse.
    • Volunteer to clean up your local park or waterways
    • Start a movement to build a green city block.
    • Share and tag #NationalGreenCityDay on ways you are contributing to a more sustainable world.

    More Eco-Friendly Ideas

    BEHIND THE ECO-FRIENDLY DAY

    In 2022, Mio Reggio LLC founder Monica Tierney and National Day Calendar collaborated to create National Green City Day. The day promotes the progress cities are making to become more sustainable and eco-friendly.

    Mio Reggio LLC is a company that provides educational materials and blocks for children ages 3 and up. Their mission is to connect children to sustainability and creativity through open-ended play. Mio Reggio products support sensory development, spatial awareness, and a connection to nature.

    According to Mio Reggio LLC, children today rarely explore outdoors and are missing out on an appreciation for nature. Children who spend time outside develop better:

    • Cognitive skills
    • Physical strength
    • Emotional skills
    • Mental health
    • Creative ideas and critical thinking
    • Self-regulation
    • Verbal development

    Mio Reggio believes in children’s role as global citizens and their ability to give shape to the green city movement. We are all citizens of a city.

    The city, which is both theirs and ours, is a place always in the process of becoming. We should not resist the new, attempting to preserve a world that we know is destined to disappear….what we can do, and in a certain way, must do, together with the children, is to give shape to this evolution. ~Carla Rinaldi

    Good Housekeeping awarded Mio Reggio LLC the 2021 Good Housekeeping Sustainable Innovation Award for their Green City Blocks product. They have currently listed them as one of the 25 green companies to know.

  • NATIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE DAY – October 1

    NATIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE DAY | OCTOBER 1

    What do cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and October 1 have in common? They are all part of National Pumpkin Spice Day.

    #NationalPumpkinSpiceDay

    We divide the world into factions. Left vs. right. Solar vs. gas. Privacy vs. freedom of information. But if you really want to turn a conversation on its head, divide the room into pumpkin spice vs. anti-pumpkin spice.

    Right about the time school starts (and some of them start in early August), pumpkin spice lovers begin waxing poetically about fall and their favorite flavor. It’s not all on the shoulders of the pumpkin spice lover, though. Coffee shops, bakeries, and stores on every corner begin selling their pumpkin spice merchandise.

    Pumpkin spice ushers in the savory-sweet season of autumn like no other spice combination does. It conjures up images of fall foliage littering paths on a cool morning. But pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor – it’s a personal style. The burnt umber, harvest gold, and cinnamon toast sprinkles home décor, apparel, and even decorates parties and weddings.

    When you boil it down, though, pumpkin spice comprises wholesome ingredients that remind us of a warm hearth and the bounty of the harvest. What could be better than that?

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE DAY

    These days, pumpkin spice can be celebrated in any number of ways. We even offer a list to get you started.

    • Mix up your own pumpkin spice blend using cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
    • Bake a pumpkin pie.
    • Experiment with pumpkin spice flavor in your favorite baked goods recipes.
    • Try this Pumpkin Bread recipe.
    • Slip into the nearest coffee shop for their best pumpkin spice brew.

    However you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalPumpkinSpiceDay on social media.

    NATIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this national day.

     

  • NATIONAL BLACK DOG DAY – October 1

     

    National Black Dog Day | October 1
    National Black Dog Day | October 1

    NATIONAL BLACK DOG DAY | OCTOBER 1

    National Black Dog Day on October 1st encourages the adoption of a dog in the darker shades. Unfortunately, black dogs are less likely to be adopted for no other reason than their coloring. Regardless of behavior, size, breeding, personality, or age, the phenomenon persists.

    #NationalBlackDogDay

    You’ll find their behavior is no different from dogs of a different color. They fetch, play, and wag their tails just the same. Of course, they also come in short hair, long-haired and shaggy breeds, too. Do you like a floppy-eared pup? Every ear, tail, bark, and size comes in some beautiful shade of black. Big paws and little paws, too.

    Not only do they come in every shape and size, but they all need forever homes. Their temperament ranges just like any other color of a dog. Breeding and previous care affect how they respond.

    If you want to add a canine companion to your pack, consider adopting one with an ebony sheen. Their loyalty is no less or more than another dog, but they need a home, too.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BLACK DOG DAY

    Allow a black dog to become your forever friend. Visit a shelter and take a potential companion for a walk.

    Is a black dog your companion? Give your black dog extra attention and let them know how much you appreciate them. Take a longer walk or bring home a chew toy. Share photos of your ebony fur-friend using #NationalBlackDogDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL BLACK DOG DAY HISTORY

    Colleen Paige, pet lifestyle expert and author, founded National Black Dog Day.

    Black Dog FAQ

    Q. Who are some famous black dogs?
    A. Well, there are several. We’ll start with a shortlist of popular pooches.

    • Balto, a Siberian Husky, reportedly led Leonhard Seppala’s dog sled team on the serum run to Nome, Alaska in 1925.
    • The Obamas had two black dogs, Sunny and Bo. These two first dogs were Portuguese Water Dogs.
    • Toto from the Wizard of Oz was a female Cairn Terrier named Terry Though, in real life, Terry wasn’t completely black. She also had some lighter color around her face and mixed into her back.
    • Another presidential pooch was Richard Nixon’s spotted cocker spaniel named Checkers.
    • Other country’s presidents have presidential pooches, too. For example, French President Emmanuel Macron named his black labrador retriever-griffon Nemo.
    • In 2005, South Korean scientists cloned an Afghan hound. The experiment produced an exact clone they named Snuppy.

     

    October 1st Celebrated History

    1847 

    Maria Mitchell discovers a comet. Her discovery makes her the first U.S. astronomer to discover a comet. It was later named “Miss Mitchell’s Comet” or C/1847 T1. Determined to be a non-periodic comet, it has never been seen again.

    1890 

    Congress establishes Yosemite National Park. The third park established in the United States after Mackinac National Park (which is now designated a state park), Yosemite consists of 750,000 acres located in central California.

    1903 

    The first modern World Series game is held between the National League and American League champions in Boston. Also known as the Pilgrims, the Boston Americans lost to the Pittsburg Pirates 7-3. However, they would come back and win the series 5-3.

    1908 

    Ford offers the first Model T for sale at $825 making car ownership affordable to Americans.

    1940 

    The first superhighway in America opens at the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The modern highway consisted of seven tunnels and 160 miles.

    1958 

    Created when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act that summer, the National Aeronautics and Space Agency opened on October 1st. T. Keith Glennan was named administrator.

    1969 

    Eighteen years after a U.S. Air Force Captain broke the sound barrier for the first time, the supersonic airplane prototype, Concorde, breaks the sound barrier.

    1971

    Walt Disney World Resort opens bringing the Magic Kingdom to life in Florida.

    2006

    Bikeparts hosted the largest Suzuki motorcycle parade with 915 participants. The record event took place in Hamme-Zogge, Belgium.

    October 1st Celebrated Birthdays

    Peter Salem – 1750

    Born into slavery, Salem would be freed to enlist in a militia to fight in the Revolutionary War. He was one of very few black minutemen serving and fought in the Battle of Concord.

    Caroline Harrison – 1832

    Upon the election of her husband, Benjamin Harrison, as the 23rd President of the United States, Caroline became the 24th First Lady.

    Esther Boise Van Deman – 1862

    A graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Van Deman became the first woman to specialize in the field of Roman archaeology. For thirty years, she advanced the study and research of Roman architecture.

    William E Boeing – 1881

    The businessman founded The Boeing Company in 1916 and became a pioneer in the aviation world.

    Kathleen Ollerenshaw – 1912

    Despite her deafness and discouragement from teachers, Ollerenshaw excelled at mathematics and supported many areas of education in the British Empire.

    Dorothy Woolfolk -1913

    The pioneering comic book editor is partially responsible for Superman’s weakness to kryptonite. She also served as an editor at three of the major comic franchises in the United States, including present-day DC and Marvel Comics.

    James Earl Carter – 1924

    In 1977, Jimmy Carter became the 39th President of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served one term.

    George R. Carruthers – 1939

    Carruthers’ interest in ultraviolet spectroscopy and his ability to invent led the physicist to develop the ultraviolet camera for the 1972 Apollo 16 launch.

  • NATIONAL HAIR DAY – October 1

    NATIONAL HAIR DAY | OCTOBER 1

    On October 1st, National Hair Day gives the nod to all the styles, products, tools, and people who keep our hair healthy and looking its best.

    #NationalHairDay

    When the clothes don’t fit, or you’re running late, it’s always nice to know your hair looks great. Whether we are seeking a new cut or we’ve found the perfect one, we want to keep it looking as fresh as it was when we left the salon. The right styling tools and hair care products go a long way toward maintaining a healthy, luxurious hairstyle.

    When is National Clean Beauty Day?

    From fine and thin to thick and course, there are products out there to curl, straighten, repair, lift, enrich, volumize, moisturize, restore, hold and sculpt! Creating unique hairstyles is an art form and health regime, too.

    During this fashionable observance, put your best style forward.  Let no wind, no storm hold you back!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HAIR DAY

    Let your hair be your crowning glory.  What’s your favorite hair routine? Give a shout-out to your stylist or seek a new look. Explore the latest haircare products to keep your hair the healthiest it can possibly be. We all know what a good cut and style can do for our attitude. Share your favorite hairstyles, tools, and hair care products using #NationalHairDay on social media.

    NATIONAL HAIR DAY HISTORY

    NuMe founded National Hair Day on October 1, 2017, celebrating styling tools and hair care products that make our hair outstanding allowing us to feel our most beautiful selves.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Hair Day to be observed annually beginning in 2017.

    Hair FAQ

    Q. How many hair types are there?
    A. There are four basic hair types and each type can be broken down further based on the type of curl, texture, and other characteristics. The four basic types of hair are Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Kinky.

    Q. What are some memorable hairstyles from film and TV?
    A. For starters, Princess Leia’s hair in the Star Wars films exhibited many transformations. However, the side buns tend to be the most memorable.

    Another memorable hair moment for the movies is Christopher Reeves’ Superman. The curl in front outdid itself.

    Jim Cary’s role of Ace Ventura in the film of the same name had a hair-raising style.

    John Travolta’s in Grease fit the 1950s rebel style. Speaking of rebels, Travolta’s role mimicked that of James Dean’s style in several films, including Rebel Without A Cause. Travolta’s was just a little more souped-up than Dean’s.

    Marge Simpson’s unforgettably blue beehive also serves as the ultimate storage system.

     

  • NATIONAL HOMEMADE COOKIES DAY – October 1

    NATIONAL HOMEMADE COOKIES DAY | OCTOBER 1

    National Homemade Cookies Day is observed annually on October 1. If you are looking for an excuse to bake some homemade cookies, look no further. Package them up and share them with neighbors, co-workers, and friends!  

    #HomemadeCookiesDay

    Can you smell them now?  Will it be peanut butter, chocolate chip, or snickerdoodle? Whatever the recipe you mix up, enjoying them fresh from the oven with a cold glass of milk and family will make National Homemade Cookies Day even better.  Experiment by trying a new recipe or maybe an old one to share fond memories with the next generation.
    Cookie Baking Tips
    Use these tips to make your next batch of homemade cookies the best batch ever:
    • Most cookie recipes have butter or a fat component. The butter should be soft, but cool, almost room temperature. 
    • Cream the butter and sugar together to create a smooth, fluffy mixture, so the sugar isn’t grainy.
    • Beat in each egg separately.
    • Use proper measuring cups for the job.  Liquid measuring cups are larger than the amount needed, clear with lines for visual confirmation of the amount of liquid, and have a spout for pouring. Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the top with the exact amount.
    • Measure your flour correctly. Don’t scoop the flour out of the container. It will pack too much into the cup. Use a spoon to lightly sift the flour into the measuring cup, then carefully level the excess off with the edge of a knife.
    • Line metal baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from spreading too far. Or, use a baking stone to have evenly baked cookies every time.
     

    HOW TO OBSERVE HOMEMADE COOKIES DAY

    Bake some homemade cookies. One of the best ways is to bake with family or friends. That’s how it becomes a celebration. When we share in the goodness of a recipe and bake with love, every day is a celebration. That’s why we Celebrate Every Day®! Bake one of your family favorites or try one of these tasty recipes. There are also several listed on the National Day Calendar recipes pages, too!

    Beth’s Spicy Oatmeal Cookies
    Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
    Monster Chip Cookies
    Homemade Lemon Sugar Cookies

    Use #HomemadeCookiesDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL HOMEMADE COOKIE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of the sweet cookie holiday. 

    Homemade Cookie FAQ

    Q. What do I do if I forgot to set out my butter to soften before baking cookies?
    A. Cold butter doesn’t mix well into cookie dough, does it? We have a solution that will have you baking in no time:

    • Leave each stick of butter in its wrapper and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
    • Microwave the butter on high for ten seconds.
    • Flip each stick of butter twice so they are resting on the opposite side. Microwave for ten more seconds.
    • Flip each stick of butter one turn.  While turning, test how soft the butter is.  Depending on your microwave, you may want to stop here and prepare the rest of your ingredients.
    • If the butter still needs more time, microwave for 5-10 more seconds.
    • Repeat if necessary, but don’t melt the butter unless the recipe calls for it.

    Q. How should I package cookies for gift giving?
    A. Cookies are a wonderful gift idea. The sweet treat will brighten any receiver’s day. While packaging them in pretty containers is not required, it helps with the delivery. Why not try these clever ideas?

    • Tins – Second had shops overflow with cookie tins from previous holidays. Why not pick up a few and reuse them. It’s better than letting them end up in the landfill.
    • Crockery – Speaking of second-hand shops, there are multitudes of kitchen items that make great packaging. Whether they are glass, stone or plastic, you can give them a second life in your gift-giving.
    • Paper bags – Decorate a paper bag and then fill it with all the goodness you’ve been baking up.
    • Pringles cans- Wipe out the empty can with a solution of vinegar and baking soda to eliminate any lingering cheddar or sour cream and onion. Then carefully lower your perfectly round cookies into the can. They will stack nicely and stay protected for delivery – especially if you are shipping them long distances!

     

  • NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY – October 1

    NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY | OCTOBER 1

    National Fire Pup Day on October 1st recognizes the canine firefighters that have long been members of fire departments across the country.

    #NationalFirePupDay

    While the Dalmation’s origin is unknown, their use in firehouses began during the 1700s. Trained as a carriage dog, the Dalmatian’s agility transferred quickly to horse-drawn fire engines. Even though Dalmations weren’t the only dogs fit for carriage work, they were the ones who mostly filled the role of fire dogs. They were also easily identified by their spotted and speckled coats.

    In the days of the horse-drawn fire carts, they provided a valuable service, having a natural affinity to horses. The Dalmatian’s duty was to run alongside the horses. They ran in front of or beneath the wagon axles clearing the way.

    Long after the red engines replaced horse-drawn wagons, the Dalmatian remains a recognizable tradition in fire stations across the country. These energetic firehouse mascots serve to educate the public about fire safety. They also represent past fire pups in honor of their heroism.   

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY

    Learn more about fire pup history. Visit rover.com to learn more. Use #NationalFirePupDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar® continues researching the origin of this fire-fighting heritage day.

    Fire Pub FAQ

    Q. What other kinds of jobs can dogs do?
    A. A working dog is nothing new. Dogs have been aiding humans for centuries. Some of their first jobs were aiding humans in hunting and war. In the modern world, dogs still play vital roles in society.

    • Search and Rescue – Those canine ears and noses detect the scent of a missing person and hear sounds human ears can’t. Their ability to find a missing person is invaluable to search teams.
    • Herding – Not only are these dogs trained to herd livestock but some breeds are also born with an innate ability to bring a flock together.
    • Service – Dogs trained to help those with disabilities also help people to live more independent lives. They aid people with a variety of conditions including blindness and seizures.
    • Therapy – Many dogs just know how to brighten someone’s day. Therapy dogs are trained to be calm and attentive so they can visit people who live alone or in nursing homes. Their visits reduce stress and improve daily life.
    • Detection – The powerful noses of some breeds mean they can be trained to detect drugs, bombs or even cancer.

    Q. Are all Dalmatians deaf?
    A. No. However, the breed is prone to deafness in either one or both ears. The Dalmatian isn’t the only breed with reports of deafness. Though dogs with white pigmentation tend to have a high frequency of congenital deafness.