Earth Day, a day when all are encouraged to appreciate the natural world around us, learn about environmental issues, and reflect on how we can better participate in global stewardship, has arrived.
Founded by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day is considered the genesis of many contemporary environmental movements in America.
Marking its 56th anniversary, Earth Day spans the globe, observed annually in almost 200 countries. Many Earth Day celebrations have expanded to include weeklong eco-themed events and activities, or events throughout April.
For example, from Middleport to North Tonawanda, groups of all sizes took part this past weekend in the annual Canal Clean Sweep initiative organized by the state Canal Corp. and Parks & Trails New York.
And after more than 50 years, marking Earth Day has become a tradition for many of us as well — and we hope its impact lasts long after we turn the calendars from April.
Since Earth Day’s inception, environmental issues have gradually worked their way into our collective consciousness. Many positive changes have taken place since 1970. The creation of widespread recycling programs, the international cooperation to ban CFCs and rectify human-caused damage to the Earth’s ozone layer, and technological innovations that have emerged in response to the reality of fossil fuels being finite resources are just a few of these.
Even still, we’re constantly bombarded with stories about pollution and the ravages of climate change, which comes in so many forms these days. It’s overwhelming. Constant reminders of the very long way we have to go, as our impact on the environment becomes more pronounced.
On a personal level, Americans can advocate for measures that protect the Earth and can make small lifestyle changes that, if enough people participate, have a big impact.
Here are some ideas you may not have thought of:
• Buy sustainable clothing – More and more retail stores are looking for clothing made of sustainably sourced materials. Or don’t buy new. Thrift shops abound in the area, offering quality used clothing.
• Become an advocate – Email our area’s state and national representatives and let them know you expect them to support pro-environmental measures. A list of our local representatives and their contact information can typically be found on this page.
• Shop smart – When shopping for eggs and milk, look for products that come in cardboard containers instead of plastic. Avoid buying overpackaged items.
• Walk instead – Next time you are thinking of driving to a store for just one or two items, look for a small “mom and pop” store that you can walk to instead. Or if you must drive because there are no stores within walking distance, check out your local shops first. That’s a win on several fronts: not using as much gasoline, getting exercise and supporting a local business.
• Pick up – The number of local litter-pickup efforts has fallen off in recent years. It’s a great time for a revival; it’s outdoors, easy to social distance and makes our area look neat and cared for.
Small steps that hopefully lead to something bigger in the end. That’s what makes Earth Day so important, it’s a day to celebrate what we still have and take immediate action on making the world outside our windows a better place than it was the day before.
Our hope is that the day’s important message sticks with us throughout the year.