At a time when ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’ reign as catch-phrases for partisan politics, America last month celebrated its 37th Earth Day. Sure, it’s been Earth’s day every day for more than 4 billion years or so, but who is counting?
Progressive attitudes towards the environment officially began when the Environmental Protection Agency was established by President Richard Nixon in 1970 -- a time when rivers caught fire and cities were smothered in smog. Earth Day’s origin is ostensibly rooted in environmental conservationism and attention towards solid-matter pollution – a response parallel to that of the Nixon Administration and the EPA aimed at promoting public awareness of the perils of pollution. Over the years since those early days, the focus of environmentalism has broadened drastically since the seed of concern was planted in the early seventies.
Of course, we cannot ignore the on-going debate over the validity of ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’ but we believe that the message of Earth Day transcends political dispute. The real message inherent in conservation is not to prevent an impending doom via environmental catastrophe. Rather, the concept is far more simple: make changes in your immediate life that will provide immediate, tangible benefits. For example, turning off lights and appliances when not in use will result in a reduction of electricity costs; walking or riding your bike instead of driving will reduce your fuel expenditure and improve your health; keeping your recyclable waste separate from your common rubbish will make it easier for you to dispose your refuse. Keep in mind, it was not too long in the past where such pragmatism dictated household mores – there is no reason we cannot emulate some of our ancestors’ practices.
Some have suggested more radical approaches towards addressing our overly consumptive behaviors. Sydney, Australia recently hosted a city-wide “blackout” to draw attention to global warming. There are also some that agree with us in asserting that “everyday should be Earth Day.” Even British tabloid The Sun has made an effort to launch an emulation of Earth Day in the United Kingdom called “Green Day.” (No word on whether the South California punk band has been informed of this).
If we can exert the effort to do something to protect the Earth just one out of the 365 days in the year, how much nicer would our neighborhoods, cities, and counties be if everyone pitched in a little bit every day? It really doesn’t take much – just a small adjustment of attitude and outlook to get attuned to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Even if you don’t think that the Earth’s climate is being changed by human activity, you can still recognize litter and large energy bills as unwanted eyesores. You don’t have to be a hippy to appreciate clean surroundings.
So go ahead and get into the groove – you can start small by recycling bottles, paper and cans; bending over to pick up trash, whether yours or not; turn off the lights and other energy eaters; throwing cigarette butts in the trash instead of flicking them. The point is you don’t have to believe in climate change to agree that we owe the Earth each of our days. [EPA, The Sun, Yes Magazine, CNN, Image - Wikipedia] Senior Editor Dwayne Robinson abstains from all staff editorials.
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