Earth Day - Thoughts and a Bit of Personal History

Happy Earth Day to one and all. Earth Day was started in 1970 and because it was first held on a school day, many schools organized activities that had their students out sweeping, clearing new garden spaces, or helping their neighborhoods. My school didn't do anything organized, but I clearly remember playing hooky with a large portion of the school's students; walking from school to downtown Denver's Convention Center where there were multitudes of displays and materials teaching us how to leave a green footprint on the Earth and how to re-use, recycle and replenish our planet. I know my friends and I were there until closing, and I think I phoned Mom who drove out to pick up me and a few of my friends. It had been a long day and a long walk. 

The first Earth Day was remarkable. More than half of 
the student body of my High School walked out in the 
early afternoon, heading for the Convention Center and 
the various exhibits, etc there. We've learned a lot since 
those early days, but have we learned enough? The Earth 
is still in crisis and we've put the environment onto a 
back burner (at least it seems like we have in many 
respects). 

I participated in a lot of long walks for a variety of issues and causes while I was growing up. Walking for peace, walking to help the handicapped, walking for specific funding for a variety of causes and institutions was the "thing" when I was younger. Although marches for justice still are featured on the news, these grew up in the 60's and 70's with the marches on Selma and various smaller marches that were more local community oriented. Marching with others in solidarity, although it seemed like such a small thing, actually ended up changing a great deal while demonstrating support through numbers. Selma's marches led to reformed legislation regarding the rights of black people throughout the nation. The original Earth Day marches throughout the country led to the EPA and a slew of environmental legislation that improved the quality of our air, water, and firmly made a commitment to recycling. 

I remember reading "Silent Spring" for the 
first time and how affected I was by her 
words. It was a masterwork by a scientist, 
and is still very readable. It resonated with 
the public and started a movement that 
wouldn't be stopped. 

We still have a long way to go with Earth Day. We still have some serious kinks in our outlook. Plastic is one of the main issues facing us now, and somehow we need to find a solution to the plastic glut that has been taking over our oceans and landfills. Do many of you think about your footprint on the Earth as you live your daily lives? Have you read "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson, "The Population Bomb" by Paul R Erlich, or how about "An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming" by Al Gore? 

"The Population Bomb" was a stunning 
look into the overpopulation of the world. 
Our numbers have only increased since 
this book was first published. The book 
strengthened my desire to not have 
children, a decision I've never regretted. 

I grew up with the Carson and Erlich books in my hand, and read the Gore book when it was published. I've tried my best to leave a minimal impact on the Earth, but know I could do better. I'm concerned about the increasing desertification of the world (the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture). I'm concerned because that ticking clock is becoming louder and the time of humans on this planet may be approaching its end. The Earth has a long history and we are only a small blip on the radar. It's quite simple for Earth to shake her shoulders and cast us away, trying a new evolution or a different species. She's done it before, she can do it again. 

I'm pretty sure the cover of my copy is different 
than this - I purchased it shortly after publication. 
I try for a soft footprint on the Earth, but I live 
in a nation that makes a HUGE impact on it 
despite my small efforts. Mr Gore got a lot of 
ridicule for this book, but I think it forward
looking and is well worth reading. 

Last year's 50th anniversary of Earth Day was subdued. We were in the middle of the beginning of the Pandemic and celebrations and gatherings were off the roster. So this year, we have some celebrating and commemorating to make up for. Do your part. Plant a tree or a flower to brighten your days, take a garbage bag and collect trash from a walking path or a playground. Take recycling to your local recycling center. Help us lessen the burden upon our Earth and instead of pounding her down, raise her up and celebrate her. Live Earth Day in your hearts today and every day. 

I'll be back tomorrow. Meanwhile, please be kind, stay safe and wear your mask. We're not out of the woods yet, although things are certainly improving.