Every Day is Earth Day
That’s it. That’s all I feel like writing.
Well, I’ll guess I’ll add to it.
I love Earth Day and its history and just the fact that it exists and that some people take it really seriously and that others think of April as Earth Month…. And, I also hate that we even need an Earth Day (like, really?) and that businesses and attention-seekers use it to greenwash, and that most people will do one little thing on Earth Day and call it good.
I’m sad that Papa Francesco (Pope Francis), the only pope in my lifetime that tried to return the Catholic church to the actually teachings and priorities of Jesus, and called out the root causes of poverty, including the terrors billionaires inflict on the world, AND was one of the only leaders in the world to speak up for Palestine, has died. AND adding to his beautiful works, he actually cared about the planet and created the glorious Laudato Si.
So, this Earth Day, commit to MAKE EVERY DAY EARTH DAY. None of this once-a-year garbage (no pun intended). Here’s a short list to consider:
Stop mindlessly consuming. If you need things, borrow from friends, buy them used, or shop locally.
Give up your tidy green lawn for a pollinator field and/or make a vegetable garden.
Do not assume that recycling works or matters. In most cases, it is useless. Especially plastics. The only thing to do about plastic is to stop buying it.
Do an inventory of your waste: what are your consumables and where can you make change - replacing, refilling, doing something different. [Quick tips: stop buying paper towels and napkins and go for rags and cloths; find a refillery and use glass jars over and over again; if something is single-use plastic, don’t buy it. Ever.]
Think about your travel habits.
Fight the system of oligarchs that trick us into thinking we need more and more shit when we all know, that we can live just fine with less.
Fight back against this corrupt administration that wants to undo ALL the protections put in place for waterways, wetlands, air quality, national parks, etc. Seriously, what the f^*k are they thinking? No planet, no existence. Duh.
Go outside. Take a walk. Listen to birdsong. Dig in the dirt. Hug a tree. Talk to the sky. Breathe deep and give thanks to this glorious planet that quite miraculously developed and sustained life…sustains us. Do not take her for granted.
Do not think that someone else will ‘take care of things’. We all have a part to play.
