Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day. Earth Day is a time to reflect and be thankful for everything the Earth does for us. It is also a time to strengthen our relationship with nature, to give back, and to think of ways we can work to better support the Earth for future generations.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day. The first Earth Day in 1970 launched a wave of action, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created in response to the first Earth Day in 1970, as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many countries soon adopted similar laws. Earth Day continues to hold major international significance: In 2016, the United Nations chose Earth Day as the day when the historic Paris Agreement on climate change was signed into force.
The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge — but also the vast opportunities — of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.
More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. The day serves as a friendly reminder each year, to respect the Earth but we should be participating everyday to show a little gratitude to Mother Nature. Here are some changes you can make to your life to do your part:
Change your consumption habits:
Think critically about your consumption habits and be open to improvement. Sustainability begins with the recognition that all of us depend on a healthy environment to provide us with our basic human needs: air, water, food, and shelter. Challenge your ideas of wants and needs, recognizing that everything comes from nature-and will have to go back to nature at some point. Be mindful about the resources you consume, including electricity, water, food, and any other material goods that you purchase. Do your best to avoid unnecessary packaging, plastic water bottles, single-use cups, plates, and silverware, and all things disposable.
Examine your worldview and the worldviews of those around you:
Consider knowledge, abilities, values, and behavior. How do these worldviews impact the way we live our lives and the way we treat our environment?
Connect with nature:
Get outside! Get to know your local forest, ocean, freshwater, and urban outdoor areas and enjoy them for recreation. Get in the habit of noticing and enjoying nature all around you, whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or the country. Nature is all around us. Think about and reflect on the many ways that nature contributes to your well being.
Care for your local park or beach:
Leave no trace! When you visit your local park or beach, leave it the same or better than you found it.
Speak out:
Advocate for the conservation of endangered species and forest habitat.
Volunteer:
Seek out programs that support sustainability and leadership in your community, and encourage others to do so too!
Find a digital earth day event for you and more here: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2020/
Source: Happy Earth Day - Zoe Donat (Facing the Future)