Earth Day
Written by Juee Deshmukh & Archini Desai, edited by Taruni Manam, Harini Akurathi, Laya Vijay, & Jason Liu, layout by Arushi Patil, art by Thejo Tattala and blogged by Asic
Ever since 1970, April 22 has marked the day to embrace and give back to our planet. Each year, individuals participate in events like composting, donating to numerous conservations, or spreading awareness through social media. However, how did Earth Day begin?
Before the first Earth Day, American Citizens were unaware of the harm automobiles and industries presented to the environment and health. But in 1962, Rachel Carson’s bestseller, Silent Spring, “raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health” (“The History of Earth Day, “ 2020).
Additionally, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin witnessed oil spills in Santa Barbara and started making the public conscious of pollution. Senator Nelson recruited a young activist named Dennis Hayes to teach students at the nearby college campus about the environment. Senator Nelson and Hayes decided that these “teach-ins” would occur on April 22 for large student engagement.
The effort broadened and aligned a wide range of groups and organizations, eliciting national media attention. The name “Earth Day” motivated 20 million people to “demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development, “ and combat pollution and the spoliation of the environment (“The History of Earth Day, “ 2020). Due to the massive support on the first Earth Day, the government passed numerous environmental acts by the end of 1970. This significant event also led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
In 1990, Earth Day went global and mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries. The worldwide campaign shed light on environmental issues and recycling efforts. As the years passed, the focus of Earth Day varied from global warming to climate change. Today, a young and frustrated generation is rising, speaking up about a clean environment, and facing humankind’s most pronounced obstacle.
With growing support for Earth Day and initiatives that support environmental preservation, you may be curious as to how you can help the movement. Efforts to support the event don’t have to be wide-scale but can include small shifts in our lifestyle, such as implementing more plant-based meals, reducing the use of plastics and increasing consciousness of over-consumption.
Switching to a plant-based diet or reducing overall meat consumption can lower our carbon footprints, and can even offer long-term health benefits. Though all types of meat emit more carbon dioxide than vegetables, beef seems to be the worst offender with the production of 100 grams of beef protein emitting 35 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (Ritchie, 2020). To put that into perspective, the production of 100 grams of chickpea protein emits only 0.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (Ritchie, 2020). In hindsight, swapping that portion of meat on your plate with a side of veggies could be far more sustainable in the long run.
Opting to reduce the use of disposable (single-use) plastics can also alleviate pollution pressures on the environment. Single-use plastics that are thrown away to be “recycled” are not biodegradable, and they are transported to landfills where they sit for years on end, degrading into tiny, plastic particles, while releasing toxic chemicals in the process (Lindwall, 2020). These plastic particles can contaminate the soil and water of nearby habitats, thus influencing the health of wildlife and human societies.
The only way to prevent these consequences is to stop using disposable plastics and alternatively choose glass, metal or ceramic tableware and bottles.
In addition to opting for more sustainable materials, becoming more conscious of our tendencies as consumers, and being sure to curb over-consumption is increasingly important. According to Net Impact, “80% of the world’s natural resources are used by only 20% of the world’s population. “ Developed countries account for much of this use, as many citizens can spend money more frequently on clothes, makeup, shoes, and similar items that are discarded without good use. Purchasing quality goods, and using them for longer periods ensures that resources aren’t being used on such a large scale.
Starting small with these few suggestions, changing our lifestyles to be environmentally friendly seems much more achievable. Encouraging others in your community to do the same, and becoming an advocate for the environment that surrounds us truly embodies the essence of Earth Day.
Originally published at https://issuu.com.
