Image: NASA
On its 39th anniversary, Earth Day still feels vital to me, but I know that some of you out there think that its time has passed. Every day should be Earth Day, you say. Choosing just one, single day to say you care about the planet we call home — what good is that?
The first Earth Day came at the end of a decade in which social activism drove this nation’s political agenda. Moved by a desire to create that better world, we got together to fight for change the only way a large group of like-minded people could: we laced up our shoes and walked side-by-side. When you have to get together in person, well, you obviously need a specific day to meet up. And that day turned out to be Wednesday, April 29, 1970.
Some of us who fought for this country’s first environmental protections make the mistake of assuming that because young people today are less likely to be found marching down the National Mall as the shopping mall, that they must not care as deeply as we did when we were young. But apathy has not replaced idealism. Idealism just looks a little different these days.
This generation uses new tools to express itself and influence political decisions. They connect with one another in more ways than we could have imagined back in 1970: blogs, email petitions, YouTube videos, Twitter and Facebook. They’re finding new ways to express their political views, and they do it every second of every day.
Lately, I’ve come around to their way of thinking. I’m still standing up for environmental protections for the places I hold dear, but like so many of today’s new activists, I’ve hung up my marching boots and taken to the blogosphere. You’ll find me expressing my views at the Huffington Post, NRDC’s Greenlight, and Sundance Channel.
So what good is Earth Day? It’s a day that reminds us to take a stand every day and fight for the places we hold dear. So today, pause for a moment and take full advantage of the unprecedented array of tools we have for connecting with others and expressing our views. Speak up on Facebook, or Twitter, or go one step further and join me at NRDC’s Greenlight. In today’s world, you’re a reporter too. Stand up for the people, creatures, and lands that inspire you to protect the environment. Reach out and tell the world about what’s happening in the places you hold dear. Make your voices heard.
April 23rd, 2009 - 2:56 am
Absolutely correct: we are in a period where individuals have an “unprecedented array of tools” at their disposal, and indeed the new Sundance Green interface appears to be among those tools. But we have to be wary of form tending to triumph over content: e.g. the legend about Marconi being told that with his new wireless technology “we can now talk to Florida”, to which he replied “do we have anything to say to Florida?”. Author Benjamin Barber posits that our technological and expressive prowess will amount to little if not accompanied by strong institutions and individual character. Early proponents of environmental protection and stewardship – from Thoreau through T.R. and Richard Louv of today – believed treasuring nature built character. Unfortunately, Earth Day has always tended to be about “us”, merely a palliative for our guilt about not doing enough to respect the planet. Our environmental challenges have as much to do with human narcissism as any other character flaw, so we must be cautious that exercises in environmentalism do not simply contribute to this problem.
April 26th, 2009 - 11:05 am
Mr. Bryant, my narcissistic vein forces me to answer. I believe if we read or listen to all people and not judge them to possess emptiness of mind or to lack intellect, this would be a better world. All people, with their character flaws, will either contribute to the problem or contribute to the solution. Environmental awareness, no matter if you walk on Earth Day, or surf the web on Earth Day or any other day, is key. Let us welcome all voices, not subjectively exclude them because you may think they are without enough substance. I respect the planet and I respect your views, I hope you do the same.
April 28th, 2009 - 10:52 pm
we were thinking about the landfills this earthday – and how they are growing – and wondered if it would be possible to have like an onsite trash sorting building that could go through the incoming trash before it went into the landfill to sort it out and recycle it – removing plastic/electronics/cardboard/aluminum/glass, etc – and then reroute this usuable trash to the proper recycling facilities. This might even add some jobs to the economy of each town.
April 29th, 2009 - 8:31 am
Our County has begun a Landfill Methane Recovery project which when completed and fully operational will provide environmental benefits equal to removing the emissions of 10,000 vehicles; planting 14,000 acres of forest; offsetting the use of 260 railroad cars of coal; and offsetting the use of 125,000 barrels of oil, all while paying for itself through the sale of methane. And, as you mentioned, they recycle some things like tvs, furniture to resale for a low price.
If you would like to know more about this program, visit
http://greenecho.groups.local.1Sky.org/en/summary
and leave a message. I will get back to you.
April 30th, 2009 - 9:45 am
I am awed by the many ways in which so many contribute to this cause of preserving our earth. I feel a that on the surface by comparison my contributions seem miniscule
. As a single mom working 1.5 jobs most times to stay afloat I do not have much time left to join many of the organizations in my community. That having been said here are some of the ways I have contributed through my actions and hopefully those of the children I have raised and the grandchildren I hope to someday influence. As Mr. Redford has stated every day is Earth Day!
Everyone can contribute on a daily basis by educating themselves about our challenges, and implementing the suggestions of experts as the apply to our daily living. Keep the information streaming to our homes. We are here hungry for the ‘how to’s’.
I thank you all!
June 1st, 2009 - 6:28 am
A wonderful way to celebrate the earth is participating in the 2009 CT. BioBlitz at Keeny Park in HArtford. 2009 Connecticut State BioBlitz is now on facebook. Another link: :
http://www.ctvisit.com/featured.aspx?id=65
July 10th, 2009 - 12:06 pm
Mr. Redford: Turkish scientist has patented process of cleaning the exhaust of industry. Capturing CO2 and recycling it to Algae farms. Capturing Mercury. He has a letter from the EPA stateing his process is 98% effective. He has 4 US Patents and one international. EPA has told him there’s no government money for this.
http://www.qdsciences.com