What does Earth Day mean to you? To me, it is a day marked to honor the Earth, to publicize and remind the population that our Earth is important and we have a social responsibility to take care of it. To me it seems as though, at least Americans, we expect someone else to take care of our problems, fund the issues which cause us internal discrepancies. Some of us see garbage on the side of the road, on the sidewalk, and look away... keep walking.... keep driving.... thinking "I am too busy, I have an appointment, someone else will take care of it" or in the case of Livingston, "the wind will blow it way" quite possibly the sight of trash doesn't even register any emotion. It is just part of the scenery... I am not trying to blame anyone for littering or not taking responsibility of their own trash, because I am well aware that accidents happen, things fall out of overflowing trash cans, back of trucks, off of trailers.... The most well meaning individuals do make mistakes.
My point is that we all need to take part in cleaning up after ourselves and others whom may have accidentally littered. We can not depend on other organizations or government agencies to continually clean up after us. As everyone is well aware, our Federal government has to stop spending. Perhaps it is our time as a society to step it up a notch. Remember what JFK said, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what YOU can do for your country." Let us apply that to the Earth, knowing good and well that the earth is defenseless and susceptible to our every action.
Little things we do everyday can help clean up the air, oceans and earth. Turn the water off while you brush your teeth, turn the light off when you leave the room, turn your electronic devices off, even cell phone chargers plugged into the wall use power, walk when you can, use reusable shopping bags, grow a garden, support local businesses. The list goes on.
I am aware that recycling, conservation and Earth Day draw political debates and tension with some, however, it shouldn't. It should just be a reminder to reduce a little, reuse what we can and then recycle what has come to the end of its normal life.
I would be surprised if someone who doesn't recycle would read such an entry, so those who do recycle, make it public. Peer pressure is real, leading as an example changes the behavior of others. Don't be pushy, ask kindly if your guest recycles and if they don't, don't cave and throw it in the trash. If a thrash can is offered, politely refuse and state you will take it to the recycling center your self. Throwing away perfectly usable substances is a waste. (This is my opinion.)
Cotton prices are drastically on the rise, you know what is being used more and more? Recycled PET or plastic #1. But I digress.... stay tuned for more on that discussion....