Today is Earth Day. And, as it has been for the last 44 years, today is a wonderful reminder that doing the right thing for the environment can have a very positive impact.
When Earth Day began in 1970, one in ten Americans participated. It kicked off with 20 million people rallying for increased protection of the environment. We have U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to thank for spearheading the inaugural effort. Years later, reflecting on the first Earth Day, Senator Nelson wrote, “It took off like gangbusters. The American people finally had a forum to express concern about what was happening to the land, rivers, lakes, and air—and they did so with spectacular exuberance.”
Around the world, more than a billion people will celebrate Earth Day. Senator Nelson would undoubtedly be impressed by the scale of today’s efforts.
From our perspective, Earth Day is very Ayurvedic. The science of Ayurveda recognizes the fundamental benefits of maintaining a healthy environment. It teaches that, in deciding to care for the world around you, you can have significant impact the economic health of your community and on your own wellbeing. It is all interrelated.
A National Geographic article gives us a poignant reminder that Earth Day wasn’t about demanding national action. It was about “demanding that individuals get engaged.” It goes on to mention that minorities and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges. Earth Day provides all of us with a platform to speak-up, organize and begin to improve our own wellbeing.
Today, the benefits of Earth Day are well understood. For example, take a look at Earth Day Network’s “Green Cities” initiative. This campaign focuses on energy, green buildings and transportation. It offers countless ways for individual citizens to learn, take action and share success stories. Take some time today to visit the site. You will be amazed by what has already been accomplished.
These success stories illustrate that there’s strength in numbers. Looking to the future health of Mother Earth, this idea cannot be viewed as a cliché. It must be a mandate. Earth Day may prove to be a model of how to handle what is to come. And, as Justin Gillis reminded us in his recent NYT article, “Not only is there still time to head off the worst, but the political will to do so seems to be rising around the world.”
So for today, get outside. Enjoy the sunshine. Celebrate Earth Day in your own way. And come together with a billion other individuals to appreciate the benefits of a healthy environment.
What simple change are you committing to in honor of Earth Day 2014?
