True Earth Day Confessions
It’s true.
I confess…I get a little miffed by the way Earth Day has become as much of a marketing event as it is a true celebration of this beautiful planet. I spend so much of my life thinking about and working for the earth that when the crescendo of activity actually happens on this day I suffer from a cynical distrust. How soon will you forget about the earth and go back to your wanton ways, my friend?
But I’ve also been thinking a lot about my own behavior. It has recently occurred to me that I’ve been preparing for the apocalypse for decades, at least 5 decades. I remember my dad worrying about the end of oil and the poisoning of our planet from when I was a kid. I’m tired of worrying about it. I’m tired of “stocking up” my pantry and over-buying stuff I don’t need just in case I might need it. Is the fear of apocalypse itself a capitalistic marketing ploy? Will the world end if I don’t plant too many things in my garden and then freeze everything in sight so I can make it through the winter with my solar energy and backup generator? I mean, what difference will it make if there are still horrible people in the world doing horrible things? (List of horrible things too long to mention here.)
How much time have we wasted listening to pretend “experts” denying and defending their horrible behavior? Too much. Meanwhile, the world floods.
And here is what I am REALLY tired of — Capitalistic* pseudo-environmentalists trying to figure out a “technological” way to solve the climate crisis (and get rich in the process). It’s not fucking rocket science dudes! It’s getting rid of chemicals. Getting rid of plastics and other harmful products. And it’s harnessing the sun and wind instead of desperately clinging on to outdated, energy-wasteful fuels.
Here is what I’ve learned: Everyone loves to complain and blame (even me! I’m complaining right now!). Not everyone wants to do the work. Our work is to become better humans. More considerate. More respectful of each other and nature. More loving to our friends and family. If we do that work, the earth will respond in kind.
Do the work.
Do it today.
Do it every day.
*Fun fact: Adam Smith, considered the father of capitalism, lived with his mom his whole life. The guy who defined our current economic theory didn’t have to cook his own food, make his own bed, or even pay his own way in the world. My theory is that his mom was the “invisible hand” that capitalism relies on.
Women, it’s time to stop being invisible (unless we are trying to be spies, then it’s useful).
Like you, I work everyday for the Earth. I didn't do anything today to acknowledge Earth Day but I am reconsidering my approach going forward. My reflection is, it really isn't about me and it isn't about you but it is about those that look to us for Earth-centered guidance. People are waking up to their relationship with Nature. Yes, there will always be (I presume) those that trash the Earth for ill-gotten gains but that can't diminish the leadership role we play in helping others reconnect to Nature. Days like Earth Day are important ceremonial days and I'll be contemplating how I can participate in helping others celebrate their emerging relationship with The Great Gift.
Bravo! It seems most would rather avoid any change to their lifestyles by reducing waste or using less, in favor of buying the latest, shiny, new, "green," electric powered thing! The new tech creates pollution in manufacturing, usually draws electricity from fossil fuels anyway, and inevitably end up back in a landfill. It's an exercise in chasing our tails.