Happy (slightly belated) Earth Day! Yes, I know we’re a day late, but like any good party, it’s never too late to join in. Speaking of parties, did you know the whole Earth Day shindig started 54 years ago? Let’s take a trip down memory lane, then bring this eco-party into 2024!
Earth Day: The OG Environmental Throwdown
Picture this: the year is 1970, the Shag is in, and pants are bell-bottomed… A whole lot of folks are becoming fed up with pollution, oil spills, and a general disregard for the planet.
Then, the hero we all needed shows up… Senator Gaylord Nelson, a passionate environmentalist, executes a radical idea. He rallied 20 MILLION Americans (hippies to housewives, students to suits) for the first-ever Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970!
Back then, recycling was sort of a fringe concept and “clean energy” sounded like something out of Star Trek. But guess what? That massive Earth Day demonstration sparked a revolution. It led to laws like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency! Phew… talk about the power of our collective.
Fast forward to today, and our planet is still facing challenges. But here’s the thing, every generation brings something unique to this continuous endeavor…
- Boomers: You were there at the beginning! Share stories of the first Earth Day, remind us of the progress we’ve made, and inspire us with your reduce-and-reuse wisdom.
- Gen X: Gen X, you’re the original resourceful rebels. From latchkey childhoods to the dawn of the internet mess, you learned to navigate a world with limited options. This translates surprisingly well to eco-living! Help us cut through the greenwashing and embrace your knack for fixing things instead of tossing them.
- Millennials: Whether it’s supporting local businesses, ditching fast fashion, or going vegan – your focus on ethical and sustainable choices is inspiring. Keep making the world a better place, one conscious purchase at a time.
- Gen Z: You are the fearless activists, the social media warriors, and the proof that the next generation isn’t messing around. Continue using your voices, demanding change, and showing us that the future of the planet is in good hands.
Teamwork Makes The Eco-Dream Work
An awesome aspect about Earth Day is the reminder of our collective impact and power when working together. We all have a role to play, from small daily habits to demanding systemic change.
Here are a few ideas:
- Avoid single-use stuff (straws, cups, etc.)
- Support local, sustainable businesses
- Turn off unnecessary lights and unplug unused appliances
- Read up on an environmental issue, watch an eco-documentary, or journal about your connection to nature
- Walk, bike, or use public transit, even for one trip
Earth Day FYI
- Earth Day is now the world’s largest secular observance – over a billion people celebrating today!
- Want to go above and beyond? Try a plant-based day or calculate your carbon footprint online.
“Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all living creatures.” – Gaylord Nelson
Your Earth Day Challenge
Let’s ditch the generational stereotypes and inspire each other! What’s ONE Earth-friendly change you can try this week, inspired by another generation?
Until next time… keep on laughing, learning, and leaving this planet better than we found it.