Earth Day has come and gone once again! Starbucks made coffee and handed them out with straw-less lids, people planted trees and stressed the importance of reusable bottles and all of that is great and important but it is equally important to remember that if we all really want to see environmental change, we have to make an effort every day, not just on earth day! Don't get me wrong, recycling and getting rid of single-use plastic is great! It helps keep the earth cleaner and it can help to reverse some of the damage people have done to the planet already. The issue is that cleaning up the earth is going to take way more than a couple of freshly planted trees and a reusable straw.
Just like anything else, saving the earth doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and patience and dedication that has to expand outside of one day a year. Earth Day is a great way to bring awareness to some of the environmental issues the world is facing such as climate change, extinction of species and the decline of ecosystems. It's also a great way for people to start getting involved with organizations or clubs that strive to create positive change for the earth but it is just that, a springboard so to speak.
Don't only worry about recycling on earth day, recycle every day it doesn't require a lot of effort and it's an easy way to help keep the planet green and clean. The same thing goes for any other positive environmental activities, pick up the litter on the ground or tell your friends and family about the state of our coral and other sea-life even if it isn't a special day dedicated to the planet, it'll make a positive impact no matter what!
I know that as human beings we're busy and we love convenience. We work long days and we go to school and raise kids and so much more. Not everyone has time to go out and deep dive into environmental heroism, I get that but there are so many little things that can be done that can really add up to make a difference. For instance, when you go shopping make sure you bring a reusable shopping bag instead of using the paper or plastic options. Don't always go for the thing with the most packaging, it's just going to end up in the trash anyway. When you or your roommate finish that six-pack of soda, make sure you cut the plastic rings before getting rid of it so that it doesn't end up hurting animals like turtles and birds.
These may not seem like they could have that big of a positive impact, but if everyone did their part and simply took the time to do something about the issue, no matter how insignificant it may seem to be just another person who uses a reusable straw or not asks for a plastic bag at the grocery store but all of these little actions can really create a positive change!
Earth Day is awesome and it's a great way for people that are concerned about the environment to make a change collectively. and it's so important that we continue to care about the planet and educate ourselves on what is going on in the environment and how to help keep it green and clean! Let's make every day Earth Day! After all, we only have one Earth.
