Why celebrate Earth Day?
It is amazing given the gravity of the consequences that we need to be reminded, but it is true. Business as usual is too easily and comfortably slipped into. There is no Planet B, at least not in the short run and not without a lot of science. And in the meantime, life on Planet A is becoming increasingly punishing. So, we celebrate Earth Day as a yearly (at least) reminder that we must change our ways both with individual and collective acts to avoid what may feel inevitable.
Regarding individual acts, how many of the following acts can we each check off?
Energy:
• Change all your light bulbs to LED.
• Plug large electronics into a smart power strip.
• Get an energy audit.
• Check weatherproofing on windows and doors.
Water:
• Switch to reusable water bottles.
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Install a toilet buddy.
• Recycle gray water.
Food:
• Compost your food and yard waste.
• Grow your own food.
• Shop for food at your local farmers market.
Waste:
• Recycle glass, metal, plastic and paper.
• Deny all plastic bags.
• Shop at our local thrift stores.
• Purchase a sustainable toothbrush.
• Bring empty containers to the household refillery at the farmers market.
• Switch from paper towels to reusable rags.
• Switch to recycled paper or bamboo paper toilet paper.
Ecology: Use native birdseed in your feeder.
• Install a solitary beehive “hotel.”
• Plant native plants.
This would be a good list for the refrigerate door.
Unfortunately, we all know that even if we can check off all the items, it’s not enough; there remain the collective acts — the ones that governments and nations move on, or don’t. And we know that government responds to the voice of “We the People” if there are enough of us speaking.
So, Earth Day reminds us that “We the People” must speak and that involves not allowing business as usual to take over; it involves action and involvement; it involves our time and our passion. We must ask, “Am I engaged in the work of saving Planet A?” It’s a possibly uncomfortable question, but one we are reminded of, at least on a yearly basis, when we celebrate Earth Day.
So, this year we will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 26, with the coming together of an amazing number of organizations and businesses and individuals in a show of solidarity and support for the tremendous task before us.
Come see how these Earth Day participants each in their own way also participate in the solution. Find us in Centennial Park radiating out in both directions from the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership site along the Riverwalk.
Visit booths manned by your friends and neighbors with give-aways, information, invitations and fun handouts; participate in the opening ceremony (bring drums) and the community tea gathering; bring your bike and take off with the DUST2 town ride; walk the wetlands with an expert guide and see what you have not noticed before; enjoy a plethora of local bands from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. including an open mic period; and, finally, select from several food serving sources.
Kids, come dressed in an Earth Day-inspired costume and join in fun activities, which include solar car races, kite flying and chalk art creating.
Note: Should the weather suddenly become a serious problem (rain or snow), our alternate location is the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Clubhouse at 230 Port Ave. If you are uncertain, please check the SOS website for a notice — sospagosa.org. For more information, email sworgsus@gmail.com.
We are planning on a fine day for this community gathering and inviting all Pagosa to turn out for it.
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