Today is considered Earth Day by many, an observance of environmental protection which started some 38 years ago. It wasn’t until I was 12 that I first heard of it.
The cause is noble, but the practice is lacking. Now, Earth Day is more a marketing ploy than a day of environmental activism. And really, much like you shouldn’t wait until Valentine’s Day to show someone how much you love them, you shouldn’t wait until Earth Day to do something about caring for the planet: recycling metal, plastic and paper; or replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones; or other simple things that can have an impact over time.
I don’t think Earth Day is dead – it just needs some CPR.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Brian // Apr 22, 2008 at 9:48 am
I just had an argument, er intense discussion, with my co-worker about why I wasn’t wearing green (she isn’t either). I think people are definitely confusing what raising awareness means.
Even so, I’ll be recycling and reusing today just like yesterday and the day before, etc. I admit that today I did go a further step and make sure turn off all non-essential devices at home before leaving, which is a practice I need to keep up.
Are there even any Earth Day events today, or like other holidays have we shunted all celebration to this past weekend because it’s more convenient?
2 Romach // Apr 22, 2008 at 11:42 am
We are keen recyclers here buddy. We really do a lot to be honest but as you say, I think the day itself and promotion for it needs a bigger push. Like you say, we shouldn’t need a day to remind us all to do our bit.