Earth Day began in 1970, officially. And I have no memory of it at all.
My first one was the following year while I was a student at NYU. My memory of it is fleeing: I’m walking along 14th Street in Manhattan, aware of other people actively engaged in celebrating and protecting the earth. I can remember it seemed odd to me that they’d only do it one day a year. Yes; I was naive.
Over the years, I’ve given an annual nod to Earth Day, glad there are people “out there” who are taking care of the earth, raising awareness, being proactive. This year, my “free rider” days are over.
But before I rail against the night once again (apologies to Dylan Thomas), I thought an Earth Day pre-test would be fun. Here are a few choices:
This one, from Conservation International, has just seven questions.
There are 25 questions in this one from the world history project, but it goes fast.
This, from Earth Day Network, is a collection five short quizzes. But each quiz, when completed, will reward you with a fun poster like this one that you can download.
Not doing too well on these? Here’s one for kids from National Geographic.
OK, now we’re back with the problems. Our earth is threatened as never before.
According to the New York Times, as of October 5, 2017 the Trump administration has sought to reverse 67 environmental rules. The Times pulled its information from a number of sources including Harvard University Law School’s Environmental Regulation Rollback Tracker and Columbia Law School’s Climate Deregulation Tracker.
According to the article, updated January 31, 2018,
33 Rules have been overturned
24 rollbacks are in progress
10 rollbacks are in limbo
I hope you’ll check out the article and the sites for more information.
This year I’ll continue my monthly support of the NRDC, organized to do what I cannot. Here’s my post on how I went about that decision. I’m also adding Sierra Club and Nature Conservancy to the list. And, if there’s a march planned, I’ll go; if there’s a vote that’s close, I’ll call or write or visit.
But surely for me, the easiest step to take is to speak out with my checkbook.
For those of you without a history of philanthropy, here’s a short primer I posted a year ago on how to begin: The Culture of Philanthropy.
How about you? Do you have any plans in honor of Earth Day this year? As you looked at the lists of Rules and Rollbacks, which one jumped out at you the strongest?
NEXT WEEK: The Downside of Empathy
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Marian Beaman
Brava for this post!
Years ago the Sierra Club joined with our small community to mitigate the effects of a Walmart expansion. In the end, 3.14 acress of woods and wetlands were put into conservancy. At the moment, we can recycle, re-purpose, and buy low-emissions cars. I’ll have to look at the list of Rules and Rollbacks later, having trouble with Mailerlite today.
Marian Beaman recently posted…A Memoir Moment from the Strawberry Patch
Janet Givens
Hi Marian. I remember your story about this and how rightfully proud you were of your involvement. Since my son Dave got involved with the Sierra Club in Ohio, I’ve learned a great deal of what they do at the local level. Same with Nature Conservancy. I’m also looking forward to taking one of the outings that Sierra Club organizes. I’m glad you mentioned recycling, that is certainly something that’s come out of recognition that Earth Day brings. But, it’s become something I don’t even think about any more, it’s so automatic to me. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle!
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Laurie Buchanan
Janet — The earth and its inhabitants are of tremendous importance to me. I believe that each one of us has stewardship responsibilities. On the “about” page of my website, one of the paragraphs says:
“With tremendous respect for the earth’s natural resources, my goal is to leave the slightest footprint on the planet, while at the same time making a lasting impression on its inhabitants—one that’s positive, uplifting, constructive, and healing.”
Thank you for honoring EARTH DAY on your blog.
Laurie Buchanan recently posted…The Write Track
Janet Givens
Wonderful paragraph, Laurie. I remember seeing that some time ago and enjoying your juxtaposing “slightest footprint” with “lasting impression” — I knew you were a writer! Thanks for stopping by and welcome home.
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
susan scott
Somehow today being Earth Day passed me by Janet. Maybe because I’m not paying attention to TV news for the moment. Every moment I appreciate Nature and am aware of the damage we humans do, knowingly or unknowingly. Ignorance is no excuse. I try to practice the 3 R’s as much as possible.
I enjoyed the quizzes – my knowledge is not up to much though I was ‘praised’ for it! Will check out further links when time permits. Thank you for honouring Earth Day. Right now i’m giving silent thanks for the much needed rain in y neck of the woods.
susan scott recently posted…A-Z P Path, patience, process
Janet Givens
It’s actually April 22, Susan. I noticed when I add the title and launch date to my MailChimp notice it did look like it was today. And I just left it. I figured Earth Day should be everyday. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the quizzes. What struck me about them is there was no overlap. I was expecting them to be all the same at first.
Enjoy your rain; we’ve gotten some too, which is certainly more welcome these days than the snow we’ve also been getting.
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Joan Z. Rough
Great post, Janet! I celebrate “Earth Day” every day. Our planet needs our attention constantly as we humans have run her down with so much disrespect. We, along with our beautiful blue orb, all suffer the consequences of how we treat her. We are living in a polluted world and our government is making everything worse.
Joan Z. Rough recently posted…What’s Next?
Janet Givens
Thanks Joan. When I look through the list of Rollbacks and Reversals, I get two competing reaction me: fear for my grandchildren’s future and gratitude that I will not be here in fifty years. I’m appalled.
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Cherie
I will have to check into whether Germany celebrates Earth Day. When I lived in the States I usually added an extra Clean Up day to my usual routine.
Janet Givens
Whether Germany has a specified day or not, Cherie, your adopted country is a world leader in use of renewables. I read recently that all homes in Germany are off oil for heating. Is that correct? Can you say more? Are cars and factories soon to follow?
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Deborah Hunter Kells
Hi Janet –
It seems we have done too little for too long and it requires a major
effort within our own personal responsibility and to those
who we can support doing something about our environment.
We need to be a light in the corner we are in and it’s so much
“action”.
Deborah Hunter Kells recently posted…7 interesting things I found with 2 years of no shampoo
Janet Givens
What I’m most concerned with at the moment, Deborah, is that’s the gains (though few) we have made are being stripped away in favor of big money interests. Certainly we could have been doing more. And perhaps we can again if we can get money out of politics. I’m not holding my breath though. Thanks for stopping.
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Lise
Earth Day has never really been a thing here in Norway, but I have tried to ‘celebrate’ it on my own by avoiding electronics and spending my time in the garden, appreciating nature on its own. I wish it would be more known worldwide so that more countries would participate and actually try to make a difference.
Janet Givens
Hi Lise. It’s good to see you here. Thanks for swinging by. You’ll be pleased, I think, to know that Norway has an excellent record for environmental stewardship. I’ve learned that 98% of your electricity is from hydropower (renewable!). Can you tell us how recycling is handled? Do you put it out by the curb or take it to a center? Do you have to sort it or put it all out in one batch? And how about your garbage? Are landfills an issue where you are?
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Lise
Most of the recycling is being picked up by the curb (like regular trash, paper and food waste), but metal, glass, paint and other hazardous material, furniture and so on has to be brought to a recycling center. Landfills have been an issue in other parts of the country but not around where I live in the south east. I don’t know if the recycling is being handled properly at the centers themselves but they seem to be handling it quite well. We all need to reduce plastic waste though, but it seems to be like that all over the world.
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Kathleen Pooler
Janet , you’ve addressed upon a very important issue here, made even more urgent by the repeal of so many environmental protective measures by this administration. So I guess one of the first lines of business is to vote an environmentally-sensitive politician into office. Beyond that, we all need to take responsibility for our part in preserving our planet. Wayne belongs to a Forest Stewardship Program where trees that need to be removed are identified so the healthier trees can thrive. We love our 135-acre piece of Heaven that has provided us with sustenance and endless entertainment–hayrides, hikes, summer picnics. I am reminded of the commercial from the 60s when the Native American man had a tear running down his cheek when he saw how people had littered “Mother Earth”. I feel the same way. Thanks for the reminder.
Janet Givens
I remember that ad, too. I’d forgotten. So thank you. Isn’t it a privilege to have the opportunity to be a steward for the land? I certainly feel that way about our little 30 acre plot. You must feel it four times as much? Thanks for your thoughts Kathy.
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Tim Fearnside
Janet, thanks for the informative post, and the pooling together of information about the myriad ways in which our current administration is quickly, recklessly, and ruthlessly unraveling the efforts of environmentalists, scientists, and more civic minded leaders over the past fifty-plus years in order to appease a small billionaire class of industrialists. (Does that sound bitter? Indeed, I am). Of the list, so many stand out as vital, although perhaps the Paris Climate Accord stood out most to me, for its clear message that the U.S. will no longer attempt to lead in the area of climate change so long as this so-called president and modern version of the GOP remain in power.
Janet Givens
These are bitter pills we’ve been swallowing of late, so bitterness, seems to me, is quite in order. Some days are so beautiful, it’s easy to forget the damage that is being done, long term. Thanks for stopping, Tim.
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Amy M. Reade
We haven’t been very good stewards of our home, that’s for sure. I’ve been doing research into vegetarianism and its effects, both positive and negative, on the environment. We’ve made a commitment in our family to move toward meatless and I’m pleased that we’re at least taking small steps. We’ve all become more aware of our actions and the effects they have on the planet and the atmosphere. I feel that, in general, there is a greater awareness of conservation and preservation, but I fear with our current leadership we may just be slipping backward. I hope companies and communities in the US continue to honor the Paris Climate Agreement even if the federal government isn’t inclined to do so. Great post.
Janet Givens
We are indeed slipping backward over this past year, Amy. But I’m so glad you brought up vegetarianism. I’ve not adopted that as a life style, though my hubs and I are conscious of what we eat and how it affects the land. Beef, for example, uses far more water and soil than pork (or goat or bison). We love fish, yet know that so many of our favorites are being over fished to the point of extinction. Foods with high fructose corn syrup are among my current list of taboo items. Don’t get me started on big agriculture. Now there’s a future post! And, that awareness you spoke of is an important first step. Thanks for mentioning it.
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
Thelma Alberts
Wow! They are good quizzes. It was fun answering the quiz. The photo of the earth is beautiful.
Janet Givens
Thanks, Thelma. I liked them too. And I was so impressed that none of them duplicated each other. Thanks for stopping.
Janet Givens recently posted…Earth Day 2018
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Richard Leighton
There seems to me that climate change response falls in to 3 basic camps.
Denial, which is used by some to profit and other to ignore and continue their life styles.
At the other end a lot of science seems to point to that we’ve have passed the “tipping point” with some in the group adopting that the data points to the conclusion that catastrophic change is already happening.
The 3rd and some say are the worst are the delusional. Those who practice individual minor adjustments, like recycle and earth recognition etc. These folks know there is a problem and believe minor changes matter. In this way easy their conscience.
I believe it’s too late.