Why We Celebrate + What We Can Do
While we here at M.E. Society believe in a “Earth Day Every Day” mentality, we love the cultural phenomenon it has become. Earth Day has become incorporated into lots of industries and organizations, even those removed from the “eco-industry.” Let’s explore the origins of Earth Day, as well as some tips for making every day Earth Day!
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 as it marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in the United States in 1970. At that time, many of our fundamental environmental laws in the United States had yet to be written. The Environmental Protection Agency was not established until the end of that year. In Spring 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a means to put legal and regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment on the national agenda. Twenty million Americans demonstrated in different cities across the United States, and in December of that year Congress authorized the creation of the EPA, a federal agency to tackle environmental issues.
This holiday was created to raise awareness around pressing environmental issues, and more than 50 years later it continues to do that. As we grapple with the looming environmental crisis, we must consider how to turn this awareness into advocacy and action, and how to keep the spirit of Earth Day alive every day of the year.
Here are a few things you can do, no matter who you are or where you are from. Remember, the environment is for everyone, and anyone can protect it, enjoy it, and advocate for it.
Talk about it. It’s that simple. Pick a realm of environmental science that excites you, educate yourself on it (your public library and the Internet can be excellent resources), and have discussions about it with your friends and family. The more we know, the better we understand, and the greater actions we can take. Do you like insects? Figure out the anthropogenic practices most harmful to them, like insecticide use in agriculture, and talk to your community about it. The same can be said for the ocean, forests, animals, plants, etc. - the environment is full of exciting things to be appreciated, admired, and advocated for.
Plant a community garden. Renting a community garden is relatively cheap, and the benefits of gardening extend into physical and mental health alike. You can grow your own food, plant native plants to provide food for pollinators and help your local ecosystem grow, and exercise your body and mind. Gardening is an excellent teacher and is a great way to truly connect with your local environment.
Have a trash cleanup. All you need is a pair of gloves and a waste receptacle, like a trash bag. If you have a trash grabber, that can be very helpful too. Pick a spot close to home and/or close to your heart, and spend as little as 10 minutes collecting waste. Not only is litter an eye sore, but it can be destructive to the soil and the organisms within your environment. Invite some friends or go solo - every piece of litter disposed of properly makes a difference! This activity will help you be more mindful of your own waste, and will be a good talking point (reference #1 in this list!).
Consider sustainable alternatives at home. It is becoming increasingly easier to find sustainable, affordable alternatives in and around the home. For example, consider ditching disposable paper towels for washable towels. You will save money and reduce your waste output. Some other considerations may include getting a reusable K-Cup for your coffee machine, replacing parchment paper with silicone baking sheets, and not using disposable cutlery/dishes at home. These acts require a tiny investment but save a lot of money in the long run.
Go meat-free once a week (or more!). Creating a more sustainable diet doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. It can be as simple as vowing to go meat-free one day a week. There can be a variety of benefits of a plant-based diet, both for your body and for the planet. Some studies reveal that by skipping meat one day a week, Americans could save an estimated 100 billion gallons of water each year.
These are just a few examples of actions that you can take, actions that we personally have implemented in our own lives. The benefits on our physical health and mental health pale in comparison to the benefits for the planet.
Earth Day was born out of necessity to create public awareness around America’s environmental issues. This awareness leads to action. This movement shows how awareness itself is so crucial, which is evident in Earth Days’ long-lasting effect as it is still celebrated more than 50 years later. However you celebrate Earth Day, whether it is participating in a clean-up or just educating yourself about the current state of the Earth, your actions are important! Be sure to follow us on social media for more constant updates from us, and check out our Eco-Library for continued education resources!
What do you think about our suggestions? How do you celebrate the Earth and make every day Earth Day? Feel free to contact us here, or engage with us on social media to keep the conversation going.
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