Earth Day was first set aside in 1970 as a day to join with others for reflection on the state of our planet and ways to protect it. This year the largest celebration in the world for Earth Day was held at Fair Park in Dallas and included a March for Science that ended in Fair Park. There were exhibits and discussions about scientific discovery along with music and exhibits catering to kids, the future inheritors of planet Earth.
Eco-capitalism
There was also a conversation between environmentalists and venture capitalists on eco-capitalism – finding a common ground between economic and environmental concerns and the ability to sustain a strategic direction. The Executive Director of CleanTX, Dwain Rogers, said, “If it’s not affordable, it’s not going to be able to scale.” Their goal is to join forces to create solutions for the future.
While the overwhelming scientific consensus agrees that man-made climate change is happening, there are wide-ranging viewpoints on what actions should be taken to solve the crisis. Fortunately, we have the ability to make our voices heard in many ways. We can contact our senators and the men and women of congress, we can call or email the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and we can take the responsibility and action to do our part to take care of our Earth.
What can I do?
Each of us has a part to play. Are you conscientious about turning off lights when not used? Have you started using LED lights instead of incandescent? Have you purchased an electric or hybrid car? Can you install solar panels at home? Can you bike or walk to work at least some of the time? Can less water be used in showering and bathing? Do you take your own washable and reusable bags to the grocery store? Are your car and tires maintained to conserve fuel? Are your grass clippings left on the lawn to compost, or are they bagged in plastic to be sent to the landfill? There is a great deal we each can do, but if you’d like more ideas go to earthday.org and click on Take Action. Let’s leave this earth better than we found it for the generations to come and have earth day every day of the year.
