All My Days Are Earth Days

Earth Day is one of those days (is it truly a holiday?) that is easily dismissed. Most of us find it convenient to ignore such occurrences as Groundhog Day, Sweetest Day and a plethora of other holidays to which we have not had much in the way of historical connection. With further reflection, Earth Day is likely to be a holiday that is least worthy of dismissal or ignorance. Having never researched celebrations or public assemblies for this holiday, some research would be required to identify public events with which to observe it.

Very little research (glimpses at Wikipedia) suggests that this is a holiday initiated in 1970, with an international expansion dating to 1990. It matters not at all to me why it took twenty years for the rest of the world to catch up with the United States in terms of observing Earth Day. We are often the pioneers and trend-setters for many phenomena and why should preserving our planet be different?

However, it seems to me that as with a number of other holidays that are quite personally defined (Mother's Day is the first to occur to me), Earth Day derives its most profound meaning from the individually expressed commitments to it. The name discloses its full identity for me '" that day on which we commemorate and dedicate to preserve the planet on which we are fortunate enough to live.

Cherishing this planet is an ongoing, consistent process rather than a one-day event. I commit to consciousness about every method by which I can protect and preserve my earth. It may simply be by consistently recycling plastic products and eschewing disposable paper or styrofoam eating paraphernalia in exchange for washable (permanent) ones.

There is more to it than food preparation and consumption. We all have the responsibility and the imperative to take the millions of small actions that combine for substantial consequences. Walking through Rocky Mountain National Park and disposing of carelessly thrown beer bottles is a contribution. Teaching our children (the inheritors of this planet) of the importance of celebrating this earth through conservation is another. Using cloth bags for groceries is yet another gesture of little individual significance but one of global importance if embraced by many.

No amount of verbal support of protecting our planet equates to the daily, conscious, sincere efforts of which we are all capable.