What Does Earth Day Mean To You?
“Earth Day” is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG including one billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2023 is: “Invest In Our Planet.” -Wikipedia
Every year we hear about Earth Day. We might be invited to and participate in a service project, something to do with planting or cleaning up a river or the streets in our neighborhood. That is what my town of Bloomfield in New Jersey does. The Bloomfield Beautification Committee asked the towns’ citizens to volunteer picking up trash around their neighborhood. That is what I did for the last three years every April. Shockingly, I always collect two to three trash bags full of bottles, coffee cups, takeout food containers, cigarette and candy wrappers, masks, gloves and more. Not littering is the simplest act to honor the environment.
What does the image above make you think of?
Yes, we should embrace our earth, right? After all, we are sustained by the earth. Could that be the reason why the term “Mother Earth” is used often?
I think every day should be Earth Day! What would that mean?
In spring, most of us marvel about the beauty of the awakening of plants and trees. In my neck of the woods there are four seasons and spring is the one where our surroundings appear to be painted with all kinds of colors. I visit parks to see spring flowers and cherry blossom trees. How do we show our gratitude? Is picnicking and/or taking beautiful photos enough?
Summer, autumn and winter have their own beauty and bounty.
Gratitude is definitely the first emotion that comes to me, when I am in awe of nature’s beauty.
Our Mother Earth sustains us with air, water, nourishment from plants growing in her soil, riches like metal and other chemicals which make our life more comfortable, gemstones to adorn us, oceans, lakes, rivers, prairies, forests, mountains for recreation, and not to forget Beauty. Our Earth is a real treasure haven. What do we do with our treasures? We protect them, guard them so we can enjoy them and pass them on to future generations.
Our gratitude should have an impact, not just use and abuse the gift we are given.
How can we show our gratitude in daily life, respect and protection for our Mother Earth? We can’t just wait for policies to change. We can do a lot ourselves which has an impact.
Yes, not littering and recycling is important, although our recycling system is limited. Much better would be to reuse. Solar panels and electrical cars are great changes, however not feasible for everyone.
What about using less plastic? Get a water filter instead of individual water bottles. Buy groceries without wrappers if possible or go to the farmers market.
(Click here to read previous WFWP article about how to reduce plastic waste)
Use our cars efficiently, combine errands.
My favorite change is to reduce lawn space and plant a flower garden with plants native to your area to attract insects, bees and butterflies; they are important for pollinators. Did you know bees are responsible for pollinating 75% of the world's flowering plants and 35% of the world’s crops? That means we have bees to thank for one out of every three bites of food
If you can, grow a vegetable garden or become a member of a community garden. It is so much fun and I am speaking from my own experience. Gardening in containers also makes a difference. Rewards are plentiful and satisfying for soul and body.
Less lawn space reduces water use, toxic pesticides in ground water and toxic emission from lawn mowers.
Everyone can help limit climate change. From the way we travel, to the electricity we use, the food we eat, and the things we buy, we can make a difference.
So together, let’s make changes in our daily routines to prevent further damage to our Mother Earth. Often small changes made by many have a great impact. Most of all, it shows our Creator and our neighbors we care and at the same time, we inspire others.
Additional resources:
The Native Plant Society of New Jersey (npsnj.org)
Sustainable Development Goals #13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts