It's Earth Day...
Happy Earth Day Y'all!
Earth Day is one of those holidays that I don't really know what to do with. I remember as a kid doing Earth Day activities at school - picking up litter, planting trees, learning about recycling - but now that I am an adult, what does Earth Day me for me?
I have been thinking about ways that I celebrate the Earth in my day to day routines. I recycle in my apartment, I use a reusable water bottle whenever possible, especially when I am at work or home, I am growing my own herbs on my windowsill (my dill plants are over an inch tall, and I am really stoked about it, and my cilantro and basil just sprouted), I walk to and from work most days, and I turn off the lights when I exit a room. These are all small things, but if everyone made a habit of doing more of the little things, we could make a big difference. I think that is what Earth day is all about.
We need to take care of this planet that we call home. I want my children and grandchildren someday to grow up in a world where the ice caps aren't melting, and sustainability is second nature. How amazing would it be to have a world that is no longer dependent on fossil fuels, and has steeply reduced carbon emissions? While businesses and governments need to take charge in the change, consumers can also drive the market for sustainable energy. If we provide profit incentives for companies who take responsibility for the planet, everyone wins. We need to vote with our money, until Earth friendly products are no brainers.
Today, in celebration of Earth Day, I am taking a moment to think about what I can change going forward to help the Earth. Here are some small action steps I am going to try to take:
- Take shorter showers. I have gotten better at this as I am getting older, but I can always improve.
- Remember to take my reusable bags to the store more often. I intend to do this by keeping a bag in my purse, and just generally trying to be more mindful of when I go to the store.
- Unplug. I need to do better with unplugging chargers and appliances when I am not using them, Especially my computer and related electronic items.
Alone, I don't make much of a difference, but if we all do our best as a society, we are a massive force for change. Lets leverage our collective power and make a difference!