How Are You Celebrating Earth Day?

April 22, 2010
I’d like to say that I made an honest attempt to ride my bike to work today in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, but that would be a lie. Sometime last night, after a quick calculation of what I had to do before finally going to sleep and how ...

I’d like to say that I made an honest attempt to ride my bike to work today in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, but that would be a lie. Sometime last night, after a quick calculation of what I had to do before finally going to sleep and how many hours remained until morning, I knew I wouldn't be awake early enough to commute via bike.

Instead, I took public transportation and made a vow to not use my car at all today. After work, I’ll spend some time in the park near my home. This evening, I’ll meet a friend at the coffee shop that’s within walking distance, where I’ll bring my own travel mug instead of using a disposable cup.

These are all small things, for sure. If you argued that I’m not doing anything that will make a noticeable impact on the environment, or lead to a drastic change in my own behavior going forward, you’d probably be right. (Let’s be honest. I usually take public transportation to work; it wasn’t exactly a sacrifice.) I won’t be saving the world by bringing my own mug to the coffee shop tonight, even if I choose shade-grown, organic, fair trade coffee beans.

But making a conscious effort to be aware of our actions can be a good first step, particularly on the 40th anniversary of an environmental holiday that, according to the Earth Day Network, “can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs … Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy.”

I’ll keep taking my small steps, doing what I can in the moment, and hoping that others will, too. In the meantime, I’m going to dust off my bike, pump some air into the tires and give it a quick safety check. One of these days, I’ll wake up early, the sun will shine, and I’ll ride that bike all the way to work.

What about you – how are you celebrating Earth Day?

About the Author

Laura Walter Blog | Senior Editor

Laura Walter is senior editor of EHS Today, a Penton Media Inc. publication. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and covers a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence.

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