Earth Day will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on April 22. This day originated to bring a broader environmental consciousness and conscientiousness to the world. America was more smoggy back then, rivers caught fire from unregulated dumping, and there were other environmental nightmares that were cleaned up, halted, or slowed down in the ensuing years. There are still obstacles to overcome. The fight is constant and most likely never ending.
We are in a climate crisis, which is still there even if temporarily hidden by COVID 19’s shadow. Although science-based evidence points to the humanity’s effect on the climate crisis as being a catalyst for pandemics. For example: deforestation, which occurs mostly for agricultural purposes, causes the largest loss of habitat on the planet. Therefore animals are forced to migrate and potentially contact other animals or people and share germs. One day we may discover our environmental lapses brought about COVID 19.
The most important message about Earth Day is that there is always a new day and many ways to care for our planet. If you want to get your hands dirty, then go out and weed a tree bed near you.
If you are sheltering in place you can celebrate Earth Day virtually. All day the Earth Day site will be hosting activities and inspirations of all sorts. You can pick up some litter and and register it online. If you want to be an arm chair activist 24 hours of action will start at midnight on April 22 — a new call to action every hour for 24 hours. Also you can flood social media with Earth Day messages on the importance of protecting our planet. There will also be messages of inspiration and performances.
If you’d like to opt into a more appreciation of nature version of celebrating Earth Day. The New York Times published virtual Earth Day celebration curated by local museums, parks, and botanical gardens: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/arts/design/earth-day-digital-coronavirus.html
The Greenline 