Folks having a lively conversation about Earth Day were trying to remember what date it was. I have strong feelings about this, so I couldn’t help myself and interrupted them with: “Today is Earth Day.”
That earned me some blank stares and correction when one of them thought it was back in April. They talked about some big Earth Day celebrations and events they had been to over the years.
I love a holiday-like designation that can and should fit any day of the year. I remember attending an event where there were local luminaries giving speeches and working the crowds like politicians always do. All the important culture groups were represented, and had something to say or show about how they care for Mother Earth.
Local business owners were finding creative ways to gain some advertising attention by supporting the shindig in exchange for banner space. Food and beverage vendors were doing a brisk business. Civic and fraternal organizations displayed banners proudly. Law enforcement was well-represented but having a relatively easy day.
Best of all, throngs of milling happy people were out and about, celebrating one of the most fundamental matters we live for and live by — the care and nurturing of the earth on which we live.
The scene was enough to make an observer feel great, but when it was over and the crowds went home, a harsh ugly legacy was left behind. The grounds were covered with trash.
Out came the professional cleanup crews to manage the mess. The organizers of Earth Day celebrations knew in advance that none of the lessons of the day would be put into practice by many of those who came to share in the festivities.
How sad and disturbing.
I’m thinking that Earth Day isn’t something to celebrate. It should be something to observe and practice as a very personal matter every day of the year.
It is earth day when a family goes to the park to play. Parents must watch their children with wrappers and papers and toys. When litter is summarily discarded, parents should take the child by the hand and explain the importance of a clean place to live and have fun – on the way to the trash can.
Don’t just clean up after the children, teach them.
Earth Day is everyday aboard my charterboat and boats I hire out to go on. When something falls overboard and we circle around and use a fishing net to pick up the trash, or when someone starts to toss a cigarette butt into the ocean and we stop that individual. I want to see nothing but driftwood, shells and sea plants wash up on our beaches.
Earth Day is every day at the campgrounds we love so much at this time of year. Keep trash receptacles around camp, unless you are in bear country in which case very careful trash management devices are required.
Earth Day should be carefully observed on trails. Keep a half-empty pack on someone’s back for stowing trash. In fact, pick up some extra trash and become part of the solution.
Practice Earth Day every day and everywhere. When you take the time and make the effort to pick up discarded trash, you will feel great about celebrating Earth Day, no matter what day it is.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
