Imagine life where you are not protected by regulations and laws that guard our environment and health. Factories spewing toxic smoke into the air and dumping harmful waste into rivers and streams that contaminate our resources and bodies. This is a past and a future that cannot sustain life. This doomsday dread led to the first organization of Earth Day which in turn steered us towards the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Even though it is hard to remember not having the Clean Air and Water Acts and other protection, the first Earth Day was only 55 years ago this past week. From my childhood, I do remember the black smoke over downtown from HB Smith, the strong, chemical fumes of Monsanto driving east on the turnpike and waste from the cottages on Congamond draining into the lake.
Sen. Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as way to force the issue of protecting the environment. His primary objective was to show political leadership that the people of this country had a “broad and deep support for the environmental movement.” On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans across the U.S. came out and demonstrated for the cause. Nelson reportedly was overwhelmed and unprepared for such a massive response.
In December of the same year, Congress authorized the creation of the EPA. The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment by ensuring clean air, water and land. They accomplish this by developing and enforcing regulations, giving grants, studying environmental issues, sponsoring partnerships, teaching about the environment and publishing information.
Today, over one billion people in 193 countries acknowledge Earth Day. It is celebrated in many ways – earthday.org offers suggestions, tools and resources for individuals, organizations and communities to participate.
This year’s theme for Earth Day on April 22 was “Our Power, Our Planet” — calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy to triple clean electricity by 2030 with hydroelectric, tidal and solar power, wind and geothermal energy.
Communities come together with many different activities and events involving education, advocacy, mobilization and pledges about climate actions. From trash clean up and planting trees to teaching climate education for empowerment of future generations.
Although Earth Day is recognized once a year, Earth Day can be everyday. Lower your carbon footprint by biking, walking, carpooling, using energy efficient vehicles and minimizing driving. Drive smart – easy on the brakes and gas, use cruise control and maintain your vehicle. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Water recommendations include repairing leaky faucets, replacing old toilets, dishwashers and washing machines when possible. Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving. Run full loads of dishes and laundry. Collect rain water for watering your garden.
Feed people, not landfills. Avoid over buying and wasting food. Make meal plans. Properly store fresh fruit and vegetables to last longer. Use your freezer and leftovers.
Most celebrations took place in Western Mass over the last few days. There is still the opportunity this weekend to participate in Earth Day celebrations. There is an Earth Day festival at the Springfield Museums. The Westfield Conservation Commission is hosting a City-Wide Earth Day Clean-Up today, April 26, from 8 am to 1pm. It starts with a light breakfast at Mount Moriah Lodge at 72 Broad St. Hartsprings Foundation will have a truck at the Lodge for donations of gently used clothing, textiles and goods from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“So long as the human species inhabits the Earth, proper management of its resources will be the most fundamental issue we face. Our very survival will depend upon whether or not we are able to preserve, protect and defend our environment. We are not free to decide about whether or not our environment matters. It does matter, apart from any political exigencies. We disregard the needs of our ecosystem at our mortal peril. That was the great lesson of Earth Day. It must never be forgotten.” – Sen. Nelson
Take care of yourself and someone else.
Juanita Carnes is a nurse practitioner with 39 years of experience in a hospital emergency department and urgent care facilities. She served 30 years on the Board of Health in Westfield, Massachusetts.
