Written by Robert Lalasz
Published on April 2nd, 2009 | 
Discuss This Article
Does Earth Day still have the potential to move people…or has it become a forgotten holiday? And if you think it has lost its mojo, what would make it more meaningful? Discuss and debate — leave us a comment below.
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Yes, Earth Day still matters. It will grow in cumulative importance every year. Built into the global culture it will grow. The biggest battle next to climate is pollution and both must be targeted. After those two, the biggest battle is apathy and lack of self-efficacy in being a part of the solution.
I think it matters MORE today than ever before. We’ve never had a more trendy “go green” time than now. I’m seeing it with a huge demand of people wanting to get engaged now as opposed to five years ago.
OK–but how do we use Earth Day to break through that apathy? What specific activities would make Earth Day meaningful on a really broad scale? Activism? Protests? Boycotts? Or something else?
Skeptically, it seems that perhaps, as with so much in life these days, our attention span has been shortened over 30 years from an “Earth Day” to just an “Earth Hour.”
Let’s hope in 30 years more that we aren’t celebrating “Earth Minute.”
I feel similarly to Chrissy in that culture everywhere is getting squashed into time frames and boxes.
I think some holidays and special dates are getting a bit of a resurgence in terms of substance and not being dismissed as a time slot (the effectiveness of MLK day as a national day of service for example, instead of just an observed moment of silence)
I tend to think we need to push the activist, alarmist and change based messages of Earth Day into an everyday means of living, and philosophy. It would be a good use of Earth Day itself as a means of celebration of the sacredness of Earth that exists outside of us, our accomplishments of the past year in conservation and ecological fields, and that sort of thing.
I mean a big party and means of expressing love for the thing that sustains us with friends and family, makes the day more special than any type of protest, or a guilt trip on how much destruction we’ve made.
I think EarthDay should matter now more than ever before and SHOULD grow in importance each year as environmental problems compound. I follow the general line of thought that the day needs to be a day of celebration no matter how dim the problems are. I often try to do one more environmental thing on or around that time. (like buy a water efficient shower head, put more natives in my garden, or make a donation to an environmental org)Sadly, I am often at work and can not actually do any of those fun crunchy things like going to a E.D. music concert. The main thing that makes people pick up on things like this is examples that prominent people set.(ie.Obama for MLK with community service) But I like to believe that everybody is a role model for at least one other person so- set an example and show you care about the Earth.
I think Earth Day still matters. The Earth Day/Week activities that happen in schools do a lot to expose youth to environmental issues. But, with it “trendy to go green” lately I wonder if Robert’s right that now is the time for activities to be on a broader scale. Not sure what that would look like, but here’s two of my ideas: 1. if companies would do Earth Day PSAs to share what’s happening on a larger scale. Or, 2. with the President being such a supporter of community involvement, if he would focus on environmental activities this month…such as volunteering for conservation groups and park services, etc. Maybe lots more is happening in boardroom discussions and it’s just hard to see all the “Earth Day” movement, but I think it’s still important and I still get excited about it.
Create a Queen contest Miss Earth with the objective to raise money to buy and preserve lands. Sounds kind of Light … but light things usually work very weel in our media
Yes Earth Day is important! It is making people aware. What would be great is that throughout the year we get tips on how to be more Earth friendly. What we can do like the 5 light bulbs advertisement. The simple easy things that can make are Earth a much better and healther place to live. Did you know 7 trees equals the breathing of 1 person or so I have been told, I have 14 trees on my property so I am helping someone else to breath. More times than not to have people respond is to give them some directions on where to go, what to do and how they can help. If more information is out there, simple directions, the Earth will see results. Here in Jacksonville on Earthday there are many Earth friend activities to get people involued. I also agree with Jennifer where those in high positions or celebrities should become Earth friendly, and I think a culture we need to stop thinking status symbols should waste money, gas, water and air! I really think these people should be seen for what they are and not as icons but polluters not admired at all. Its great to be rich but to think that destroying the Earth is a perk is unacceptable behavior on any level. So yes there should be an Earth day and alot more knowledge, help and LOL coolness in being people that help the Earth and help ourselves!
Protecting nature is so vital for our quality of life and as I travel, I witness the destructive impact on nature caused by people struggling to survive. Where the people suffer, so do the animals and nature. I strive to provide sustainable income for the villagers while supporting animal conservation and respect for nature. All of us need to be educated and enouraged to be responsible for the quality of life of all living things and the planet.
I am guilty as charged of missing last week’s Earth Hour and other activities as well. I wish there was a more effective way of getting the word out than e-posts, et cetera, and in general, better incorporating environmental consciousness in the public mind. It has come a long way, to be sure, but much remains to be done. I wish Earth Hour, Earth Day and the like were as widely publicized as my Final Four bracket and other far less important items.
I think that Earth Day should be a chance for people to think about the changes they want to make in their lives to live more “green” and to make a public pledge to do so. It needs to be public (more accountability) and it needs to be specific (no “I’ll live more green” – but “I’ll stop using disposable plastic water bottles”). Is there an org out there that could take this on? It would be great to have specific “pledges” that people could sign up for and publish lists of people who took the pledge online.
If you give people something to DO on Earth Day, a positive step forward, I think you’ll get a great response.
One of our reps had some great ideas that she used for her school to help the kids get a green message and have fun during Earth Day: http://tinyurl.com/EarthDayIdeas
Lisa, that’s a really interesting idea. The Nature Conservancy has an Earth Day effort to get people outside–especially families–that includes the chance to make a Facebook pledge to “spring outside” this season. But specific pledges on other behaviors seems like the next logical step. I’ll propose that to my Conservancy colleagues for next year.
It will also be interesting to see if President Obama does anything for Earth Day. I think visible leadership–both from Obama and from celebrities–would be very effective, at least in American culture. Has anyone heard if Obama plans any Earth Day activities?
Earth Day is very important, it helps us all remind people that we need to continue making improvements.
Speaking of which, there’s a lot going on at the University of Michigan to conserve resources and improve sustainability…Planet Blue, ClimateSavers, PowerDownforthePlanet, etc. Being green is really taking off!
Earth Day is as relevant today as ever even more since we are starting to see the effects of excessive exploitation , but to put the bang back in the Earth day observation we will have to involve youth and children so as to inculcate green consciousness among them, one such initiative that is practised in India is Vanamahotsava, where in every kid in the school plants a sapling which he/she takes care of.
I think you ask a fair question, Robert. In fact, I asked the same one last year. Sure there are issues of greenwashing and hijacking the message, but Earth Day still has a role as part of a larger strategy. I see Earth Day one of several tactics used in the larger campaign of education and awareness.
Our organization has started pushing Earth Day all the time with the slogan “Make Every Day Earth Day.” I think Earth Day as only one day is outdated given our increasingly “green” culture. It seems that we should be finding ways to inspire people with events and tips all year. I think we are at the point where environmental issues should be a part of our daily life. Earth day may be one way to do that but we need more. That said, I do agree that with green-washing and the variety of environmental messages it is challenging excited about environmental issues. This is especially true in the winter when we aren’t outside as much or during hard economic times.
“Make Every Day Earth Day” is a great concept and should be taught in schools. Lisa has a point. Giving kids something to do and building activities that encourages them to have fun WHILE discovering the joys of going “green” will hopefully get them thinking a bit. “Green” is a lifestyle choice and it’s becoming more and more popular, but we can’t stress it enough. Starting young is good.
It’s easy to be cynical about Earth Day and for good reason. But I don’t think anything is achieved by abandoning it and much is lost. I’d rather put my energy into improving Earth Day observances. I just started a blog on “going solar” and am hoping to make a decision on Earth Day about which system to buy. It’s one concrete (so to speak) thing I can do.
Hi, I’m from Honolulu and I’m 12 my birthday is on Earth Day and every year I have done what I could to make Earth Day important in my home town of Honolulu. At my school I organized a program called Opala or Kala (trash for cash in Hawaiian) where kids get sponsored by relatives and friends to pick up trash around the beaches and our area. We get a certain amount of money for each bag trash we collect and put the money towards a different charity every year. You get a certain amount of prizes for the amount of you get. If I’m only 12 and I can make a difference like this imagine what the world’s leaders can do on Earth Day. Most people think that “It’s up to Obama and his admin. to make Earth Day happen” but it’s not! Even little activities like this can make a difference. Find joy in life and life will find joy in you.
Earth Girl, that’s amazing and so inspiring–especially your last sentence. Good for you!
Tim Hurst, what I wonder is whether Earth Day was so successful back in the 70s because the threats to the planet seemed so much more tangible to people–namely, air pollution and litter everywhere, along with rivers on fire and oil spills. Now, the threats–namely climate change and water scarcity–seem like conceptual threats to many Westerners rather than immediate ones. Human nature responds more readily when you can see the threats rather than just read or hear about them.
It matters more with every passing day,
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-04-17-broadening-the-earth-day-tent/
I think Lisa’s idea is a great one. We should make Earth Day about something specific, with specific (and easy!) changes people can make in their lives, instead of a general positive feeling about the planet.
There are so many tips on different websites that can lead people in to making a difference. My motto is “a little at a time” That is what I can do. Planting a tree, walking to the store that is only 1-2 miles away, not using the drivethru, recycling, redusing and reusing. It is rather simple to incorporate in to our lives and we don’t have to make it hard by thinking we have to make a huge difference, little things help too and when there are several of us making small changes they combine to become huge changes. Getting your neighbors involved helps as well. On our street many of us walk and as we walk we pick up trash, cans/bottes, yard waste clean up where there are empty lots. I’ve thrown seeds down in empty fields or by the side of the road so flowers can grow. Care for your trees by trimming and feeding them or plant a tree if you need one. It is amazing that in the midst of beautifying your neighborhood, you’re helping the environment as well. We can’t survive without our Earth. Happy Earth Day!
The 3 decades of propaganda against Global Warming and Climate Change is perpetuated by Conservative voices which literally flood the airwaves. This mindset spills over to the general population.
Today I was watching CNBC to get my stock updates. Larry Kudlow on “The Call” announced, “It’s Earth Day, I’m going to buy a Hummer, that’s all I’m going to say about that.” That was the only announcement.
Just prior to this segment Larry had made a profound statement regarding the suicide of Freddie Mac CFO. “What ever was wrong, it’s only money, there are other things, spirtual things more important in this world.”
I wrote to CNBC today and pointed out the science, the alarming findings and concensus among scientists across the globe that we face a dire situation. I suggested that the conservative point of view is misrepresenting the news and if they spent time really reading and exploring the articles and studies in the area of Climate Change they would perhaps see the issues with less jaded perspective. I suggested that Larry take some of his own advice and appreciate that there really are some things in this world more important than money, or his view.
It is reported that Wall Street and Corporates have hired hundreds of lobbyists to wage a war against the policies to put climate change into motion.
We need to clean up our own environment, but the greatest job at hand is to educate the public about the threats we face. The media has not done a good job of reporting Global Warming. There is a disconnect. When you read the studies in science journals and the national international counsels on climate change, and then read the newspapers, only a fraction of the story is being reported.
The public will believe what is being placed in front of them day after day. If they are lead to the comeback of Brittney Spear’s, or the runner up on American Idol, then that is what captures the mind. But what about the news coverage of the melting ice shelf in Greenland? The nation of Maldives which is making plans to be submerged in the near future. Where is the guy camped out on the beach telling that story?
The problems are complex and the situation serious. The politicalization of Climate Change threatens us as much as burning fossil fuels.
I wrote to CNBC today to share my thoughts and to point out the role the media has to present the news and to educate the public. If everyone who appreciates the crisis we face begins a writing campaign to each and every media outlet to report the issue and not to perpetuate mis information that “Global warming is something you can choose to not subscribe to because it is made up”. This is 2009 and the world’s scientists are way beyond that notion.
CNBC engaged in dinasaur thinking today and needs to be called on it.
Thanks,
Jeanie Schneider
Responses from Ms. Noel’s 5th, 6th and 7th period English classes in Portland, Ore.:
Personally, we believe it does. But the problem is that it’s not widely known or celebrated. We only have one Earth to live on, so it’s important that we respect it. People are so concerned with economic gain that they are willing to exploit our planet rather than protect it. It’s sad, really. The problem isn’t just advertising the day, but getting people into a daily routine. It’s really not hard to change a few simple things in your everyday life. Some people refuse to see how their impact affects their lives. Some will argue they won’t be alive in the distant future, so who cares? But what about future generations? Are we really so heartless that we will deprive them of life? This isn’t a destruction of the planet, but of the human race. The Earth has always readjusted itself, so we need to see our place in all of this and do something to change our ways. – Wes, Rian, Steven, and Katie
Yes, it is important because we live on the Earth and we should appreciate what it provides for us. Like a home, we have to keep it clean. With global warming we need to focus on keeping the Earth clean and saving energy. – Anddy, Erick, Amy, and Yovanna
I don’t think we need another holiday to make another group of people happy. I think we’re smart enough to apply new ways of using energy to our every day lives without one special day. – Jordan
We think Earth day matters because people should care about the Earth. We cannot just use the resources on this planet and not worry about what happens to it. We are the Earth, as well as everything around us. To take care of the Earth is to take care of ourselves and if we can’t do that how are we supposed to live our lives? – Nathan, Prysila, Kalex, and Justin
Earth day, we think, is still very important. It’s a day for people who don’t already know about the Earth or how to help it to get educated! Earth day should be every day. But unfortunately it’s not. Some think Earth day is important for the sake of recognition. Just because you don’t know about it doesn’t mean it’s not important. – Ashley, Melanie, Chelsea, Andrew, and Jessika
It does matter. At least it is one day that most of the people do something good for our planet because we are the ones who cause the environmental problems that are happening to the Earth now. The government and big organizations in each country, even schools, should do some activity to promote Earth Day to keep the project going so people will keep it in their habits. – Emily, Amanda and Ying
We don’t think Earth day matters to most people, but it should. Earth gives you life itself and we should honor that because life is awesome. – German, Marissa, Dakota, Andrew, and Hanna
Thanks very much for your comments, students–which are among the most thoughtful we’ve received! You’re absolutely right that it’s not just our planet’s future at stake–it’s the human race’s, too. And you’re also correct about every day being important in the race to save Earth. We appreciate you expressing your sentiments with the rest of our readers — and we hope you keep caring about the planet so deeply!
Earthday was created to bring about awareness to our fragile eco system on this planet. has it missed its mark??? far from it, it brought awareness to scientists, politicians, and businessmen and most of the world. does it matter now??? arent you busy??? well even I am busy getting a bachelors degree in business management with a focus on green sustainability (yes that is a class now offered in US College campuses an some universities).
it reviews a host of greener sciences and products now availiable to businesses and applications that may prove useful.
even though I rarely celebrate earth day, It has had great success in what it was originally intended …kind of like arbor day plant that dang tree would ya.