Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Being just a few years past 40, I essentially grew up with it. I find it interesting to note how, like myself, Earth Day has matured, some aspects getting stronger while others weaken with age. Earth Day used to hold a unique energy built of the optimistic (some would say radical) thinking of those of us comfortable with being different and seeking change. Now it sometimes feels like I see Earth Day touted more by corporations bent on demonstrating their good deeds than individual grassroots messages and even have these eerie visions of it becoming another hollow Hallmark holiday.
While I believe corporate awareness of environmental issues is critical, the biggest changes are made by the collective impacts of the little things each of us do daily. Many of these are simply making educated decisions.
- Choosing paper products made from recycled and/or FSC certified material and processed with environmentally friendly processes.
- Walking or riding a bike for short trips (extra bonus, it’s more fun than driving).
- Recycling
- Choosing foods that are healthy for humans and the environment like organic vegetables and grass feed beef.
- Being smart about seafood choices.
- Not letting your vehicle idle. Except for defrosting windows and heating the cabin there is no reason to let a modern engine idle like our parents did (this includes diesel pickups as well).
The list of simple actions like these can and do fill books. It’s not a contest, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, it’s just about little steps taken continuously.
So this Earth Day keep it real, keep it simple and help keep the earth healthy.
As Earth Day is also my wedding anniversary, so I need to give a shout out to Kathie, my wife for 22 years, I love you baby.
Recent Comments