Treat every day like Earth Day

Natalie Doud

As climate change and the state of the environment worsen, it’s imperative to focus on living sustainably. Every year, we use Earth Day as an annual reminder to be more conscious of the environmental effects of our actions and to advocate for more sustainability.

However, after Earth Day ends, many see that as the end to their sustainable habits as well, continuing with their lives as they had before, whether that included proper recycling or not. Earth Day just passed on April 22, and now it’s May. I no longer see anymore Instagram posts about how we can protect our Earth, and climate change seems to be a backburner issue. While it’s necessary to emphasize the importance of being mindful of the Earth’s well-being, this should be acknowledged every day, not just once a year on Earth Day.

The implications of climate change increase every day, especially with our increased use of personal protective equipment. Thus, it’s even more crucial to remember to properly dispose of your waste and be mindful of what kinds of products you use. The environment is not in a good enough state for us to simply ignore the worsening effects.

Every day, I see trash littering the streets, people acting out of convinience instead of consideration, and acting as though their actions make only a modicum of a difference. Many also do not realize that, by throwing that plastic bag out on the freeway, they’re contributing to the pollution that pervades the earth and the mindset that pollution will not affect them personally but solely the environment. This, however, is not true.

To date, around 2.4 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water because of how bad pollution has become. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, humans are the leading cause of climate change. Several human activities, for instance, burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation, have increased the abundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. To diminish your individual influence on climate change, try walking more, using your car less, or investing in an electric vehicle. Especially during the pandemic, now is the best time to stay home and reduce your carbon footprint while keeping yourself and others safe.

Despite the immense impact humans have had on the environment and ecosystem, there’s still time for improvement. While we cannot go back to a time before mass-production and plastic islands in our oceans, we can help the earth return to a healthier condition.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, if we can cut our carbon emissions to reach “zero emissions” by 2050, meaning the amount of carbon dumped into the atmosphere equals the amount that is taken out, then we can avoid climate change’s worst repercussions. But this kind of positive change can only occur if we all agree to take action collectively and put our differing beliefs aside. According to The New York Times, President Biden has made several promises regarding climate change, pledging that the U.S. would cut 2005 greenhouse gas emission levels at least in half by 2030, which presents a dichotomous approach from former President Trump.

Climate change is an ever-evolving, contentious issue, yet there are many out there who don’t fully believe nor understand the frightening reality of it all. Thus, it is becoming increasingly essential for those who have a distinguished voice to use it to their advantage when addressing climate issues, especially in regards to policy.

As conditions worsen, those with influence and power need to use their resources to enforce change. And, while it’s encouraging to see institutions advocate for environmental change on Earth Day, it’s disappointing to see that advocacy fade away in the days that follow.

Therefore, well-known institutions and companies should address climate issues and encourage their members, employees, and others to take action. As a student who is passionate about environmentalism and sustainability, it’s comforting and motivational to see reputable institutions utilize their power in this way, pushing for positive change and shedding light on world issues.

We need to stop treating Earth Day like New Year’s Day. Our resolutions, on both days, hold immense hope and reflect potential prosperity. Still, the reality is that every year, we write the exact resolution down and work towards that goal for a few weeks or maybe even a month if we’re

ambitious, but, eventually, that resolution becomes a thing of the past and our prior lifestyles begin to reappear.

Thus, it’s important to remember that your actions matter. Every time you properly recycle by rinsing out your takeout containers and putting them in the correct bin, you’re helping contribute to a better environment and diminish the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Next Earth Day, or even today, make a resolution to stick to your resolutions, and always remember to live responsibly, ethically, and sustainably. Live every day as if it is Earth Day.

Shop locally and ethically if you can afford it: before purchasing from a store, do your research! Make sure their items are ethically sourced and avoid fast fashion brands (there are more unethical brands out there than you would think).

Try to take alternative transportation: instead of driving everywhere, try riding your bike, the bus, or even walk/run for some exercise. By doing this, you can help reduce the amount of fossil fuel emissions.

Plant something: planting trees, flowers, and other plants is great for the environment! However, make sure you do your research before purchasing a plant to make sure you care for it properly and don’t introduce an invasive species into a new environment.

Participate in a trash cleanup: take a walk around your neighborhood or a town nearby and try to see how much trash you can collect in 10 minutes. This helps get litter off the streets and keeps the environment around you unpolluted.

Explore local parks: take advantage of the nature around you and go for a walk or trash cleanup at your local park. Remember to practice social distancing and wash your hands.

Use reusable items: purchase reusable cups, containers, and utensils to decrease dependence on single-use plastics and your individual waste consumption.

Zero-waste meals: instead of throwing out those leftovers, eat what you already have and make even make a new meal out of it. You can also reduce waste by making your own nut butter, salad dressings, nut/non-dairy milk, etc.

Eat plant-based every once in a while: he industrialized meat and dairy industries are responsible for 14.5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, so, by avoiding meat and dairy even a few times a week, you can help diminish your carbon footprint and personal contribution to environmental pollution.