Green Calgary

What’s Earth Day Good for Anyway?

Reader Question

Dear Ashley,

I’ve been around a long while and though I don’t mean to sound pessimistic, I wonder what effect Earth Day has had on changing humanity’s course? Does marking a single day for the earth really change anything? I’d like to believe small gestures make a difference but I’ve yet to convince myself. Perhaps you can convince me.

Thank you,

Erica

Ashley's Answer

Dear Erica,

Since 1970 – the year Earth Day was launched – every life support system on our planet has been further impacted. According to the United Nations Global Environmental Outlook (2007), “environmental degradation continues to threaten human well-being, endangering health, physical security, social cohesion and the ability to meet material needs.” The report highlights the fact that despite many efforts, there has been “limited integration of environment into development decision making.” Humans continue to befoul the air, land and water and an increasingly rapid rate.

This stark reality, however, should not undermine the efforts of the individuals – community leaders, environmentalists, social activists – working to improve the lot of humanity and to slow the destruction of the planet.  In fact, Paul Hawken, in his best-selling book Blessed Unrest, suggests that the current social movement is the largest the world has ever seen, with tens of millions “activists” forming what he describes as the earth’s immune system. Were it not for these individuals, and the groups they represent, fighting for environmental, social and economic justice, the world would most certainly be in even greater peril.

As a front-line environmental worker, I can personally say that having people pause for a day to reflect on where we are at in history, to contemplate where we are headed, and to consider how they fit into this world is nothing short of amazing. Earth Day always gives me a renewed sense of hope and seeing others engage in Earth Day activities reminds me that there is a growing appetite for real change… even here in Calgary.

Now, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I am of the belief that unless we, as a society, get our act together, the world we leave behind to our children will be deeply impoverished. So, as much as Earth Day should serve to recognize the individuals and organizations working fearlessly and tirelessly for the betterment of humanity and all of the other living things we share the planet with, for Earth Day to be successful it needs to be about people becoming more fully engaged in their lives. No longer can we sit back and simply watch our quality of life erode away in the name of efficiency, obscene profits and greed. We need to get involved – we need to become activists.

I understand if the word activist gets some people on edge because, after all, we tend to associate activism with protest, but protesting is only a very small part. Rather, activism is about becoming more fully engaged in life; it’s about participating in, and influencing, the affairs that shape our world. For me, supporting local farmers, carrying a reusable coffee mug, writing my alderman, and planting a vegetable garden are all forms of activism because these actions support the world I want to live in. Unless I take steps to make my vision for the world a reality, I will most certainly not get what I wish for. And I’m happy to say I am not alone in this.

There are growing numbers of Calgarians picking up shovels and tearing up their lawns to plant vegetables – as many as 8,000 new back yard (and front yard) gardens this year alone; groups fighting for backyard chickens and bees; and hundreds of people are turning out to learn about composting, organic vegetable gardening, green cleaning, sustainable food, and responsible businesses in our city. And I’m sure this only represents the tip of the ice berg.  As more and more of us connect, the movement and our chances of succeeding will only grow.

If you are hungry for ideas, want inspiration, or would like to connect with others working for a healthy, vibrant and resilient Calgary, join Green Calgary for an Earth Day Birthday celebration on April 22nd (5-9pm) at the Uptown Stage and Screen. The night will include tasty local and organic food, an inspiring film titled Earth Days, great music, an auction, and, of course, a whole lot of great folks. We hope to see you there!!!

Encouragingly,

Ashley

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