Why is it Not ‘Earth Day’ Every Day?
When I proposed to teach an Environmental Sociology class back in the mid-90s at the University of Washington, people thought I was a little strange. I was told that “the environment” was a luxurious problem, that problems about race relations, gender relations, and socio-economic inequality were more pressing in the United States at that time. My argument was that I understood those other issues were critically important, but if we lost the ability to live healthy lives in our natural environment, those problems would not exist, as Homo sapiens would be gone. My class - an elective course for upper level students - was listed in the course catalogue. It turned out to be quite a popular class.
Now, being a Sociology class, we looked at environmental issues from all sides. We made no assumptions. At that time, topics such as climate change were mainly discussed in academic circles, there was not much of a political flavor to the conversations. However, I had been introduced to differing perspectives, some with political associations, when I was working on my Master’s thesis in the early 90’s. I had interviewed loggers, miners, and commercial farmers about how policies like the Endangered Species Act impacted their lives and livelihoods. I would get an earful about how “lefty tree huggers” took jobs away from hardworking Americans. I remember parking my old Honda Accord out of sight from my research participants’ homes and making sure not to use paper pads that were obviously recycled. I didn’t want to be labeled one of those “tree huggers” who did not buy American products, like cars. I wanted to make sure I came across as neutral, open to hearing all sides of the story.
I learned a lot. And I brought the stories into my Environmental Sociology class so we could all debate the issue. I found scientific studies that presented facts about changes in temperatures of the sea, receding glaciers, air quality, water quality, and species going extinct.
I remember the debates quite well. My students came from many different places, some were grandchildren of loggers who had lost jobs. One day in particular stands out in my memory when we were talking about the fact that global warming may or may not be “man-made” and that soon the earth may start cooling again. And, that deforestation may or may not lead to changes in rain patterns. At one point I asked, “well, perhaps if we cut down all of our trees, pollute our rivers and oceans, and the air we breathe, we will create technology to still keep humans alive. But really, would you want to live in homes made of ugly, chemical materials, with no trees and plants around, and rivers and oceans with nothing alive in them?” Some students said “No” quickly, others didn’t seem to feel it was much of a problem.
Now, almost 30 years later, a lot has changed. A lot more scientific research has been produced, and a lot more people are talking about the environment, climate change, and a plethora of problems appearing in the natural world, from more prevalent and severe storms, droughts and fires. Yet still, there are so many people who do not believe caring for Mother Earth is important enough to make any changes in their lives. I often think about why this is…
Yes, humans being humans, we don’t really take things seriously until we are directly effected by something. For example, people who know better don’t change their diet until after they have a heart attack and the Dr tells them to do so. And with something as big as climate change, what can a person really do when their house burns down in a fire caused by changes in rain patterns? Buying garbage bags made out of plants instead of plastic seems insignificant, and an unnecessary expenditure…and how are those dots even connected??
I know for myself it was much easier to live closer to the earth and what felt to be “more in harmony with nature” when I lived in Tanzania. I bought my food mainly from Mamas selling on the side of the road, using no plastic bags and containers. I walked a lot, or shared rides in vehicles because that is the culture there. It was not as much of a materialistic culture as the United States and the items you really needed and could get you treasured and took care of. In other words, it is much easier to live more “earth-consciously” when everybody else around you is.
I try and keep that consciousness when I am in my home in Miami. It is a way of life. I’m not perfect and sometimes there are no choices available that are better for the environment. But I figure the best I can do, knowing what I know now, is to be the change myself, and hopefully, help to create a more conscious culture that cares for our Mother Earth.
Some ideas:
Think about your best transport option. Do you really need to drive? Can you walk or bike or take a train? Can you combine trips?
If you line your garbage bin with plastic bags, and/or use bags for your pet waste, consider switching to bags made out of plants.
Pay attention to your use of electricity. Try to cut back where you can. If you can switch to solar, do it.
Use your own bags at supermarkets and farmers markets. Instead of using a new plastic bag each time you shop in the fruit and veg section, bring back bags from last time, or use the new reusable cloth ones available now.
Recycle if available. Even better, think twice before first acquiring an item…do you really need it? Is there a greener option?
Instead of over-buying to fill space (e.g. new rooms / homes) think simplicity, and get necessary items that are high quality, sustainably—produced if possible, and will last a long time.
After all, even if we have the technology to re-create our world apart from the natural environment, how would you like living in it?
Just a question…