International Earth Day 2011 - March 20

Although there is debate about how old the earth is, conclusive scientific evidence has scientists convinced that the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old (Dalrymple, 2006). No matter how old the planet is we count on it for our existence. Although technology has created more leisurely and more convenient lives for us than generations past, some technology has dragged with it consequences that have negative impacts on not only human health but the health of the entire planet and its other inhabitants. Getting involved in environmental issues is not only reserved for "hippie tree huggers" anymore but should be a concern for us all. One does not have to hug a tree or be a hippie to understand that to sustain life on this planet it needs to make it first. International Earth Day is not to be confused with the U.S. Earth Day. International Earth Day is about creating a cleaner planet, it's about people working toward helping the less fortunate, and it's about peace among all people.

A Cleaner Planet

A positive attitude and taking action in your personal home and work environments, as well as in your community, benefits you and the planet. A few months ago I was driving on the highway en route to an appointment. I watched as, in the next lane, a man opened his window and tossed a large McDonald's bag out of his car window. That individual does not grasp that the planet is his house or maybe he does but he is a slob. One step toward a healthy planet is to put garbage in its place. If you are uncertain about where refuse goes, ask. Other ways to help clean up is to participate in local spring clean-up efforts. Your yard, city streets, parks, or shorelines may be in need of some tidying up. All the little things we do add up to big positive impacts. Personal responsibility is a big first step.

Other small things you can do to make a big impact: turn off lights when you do not need them on, promote environmental awareness in your social networks, encourage your senators to pass a clean bill that will protect our health and to take a stand against corporate polluters, teach your children what you know about keeping your home and environment clean, plant trees, conserve water, recycle, unplug appliances not in use, and say no to plastic as much as possible. If you go to the coffee shop, purchase a reusable coffee cup to reduce waste. According to Greenfeet (2011), "16 billion disposable coffee cups were thrown away in 2008".

Help the Less Fortunate

There are ways you can help the less fortunate. Contact your local homeless shelter to find out what they need and help out where you can. Donate to local food pantries or volunteer your time there. When I hear political speeches there is a great deal of emphasis put on the middle class. Ignoring the homeless and the many people struggling with poverty does not make them go away. Acknowledge there is a problem. Find out what your senators are doing to help fight poverty and homelessness in your state.

Focus on Peace

Help create an attitude of unity wherever you go. We are all part of the human race despite different cultures and beliefs. From the Makanani website (2007), here are some ways you can help create a more peaceful world: use social media to encourage others to generate peace, get to know your neighbors, drive without road rage, learn about other cultures, be helpful, be patient with others, appreciate and embrace diversity, teach your children how to keep peace with others, find your inner peace, sign a peace pledge, and support legislative peace initiatives. A peaceful world is a happy world.

Conclusion

Most countries celebrate International Earth Day. This day is an excellent time to think about what you are doing to help take care of the planet. This is also a good time to commit to taking actions that will influence positive change for the less fortunate and actions that will help to produce peace. Together we create a better world.

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." - Henry Ford

References:

Dalrymple, G.B. (2006). How old is the Earth? A response to "scientific" creationism. Retrieved from http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/dalrymple/scientific_age_earth.html

Greenfeet. (2011). Eco coffee cup insulated & reusable 12 oz. Retrieved from http://www.greenfeet.com/itemdesc.asp?kw=Eco-Coffee-Cup-Insulated-and-Reusable-12oz&ic=6011-09125-0000

Makanani. (2007). 50 ways to promote peace. Retrieved from http://missmakanani.blogspot.com/2007/07/50-ways-to-promote-peace.html