As netlogx consultants, we do our fair share of traveling by public transportation, automobiles, and airplanes all of which allow us ample opportunity to look out at the world from city streets and interstates, as well as from a bird’s eye view. Each mode of travel provides a different perspective and view of our earth which we can choose to ponder or ignore.
Believe it or not, there is a history to Earth Day which seems to have originated around the 1970’s according to Earth Day Network. It seems mainstream America seemed to be unconcerned with the environment, and that the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962, began to raise public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and links between pollution and public health. Combining this best-seller along with a 1969 oil spill in California, and other environmental issues, sparked action from environmental activists and politicians, such as Gaylord Nelson to promote events across the land on Earth Day, April 22nd, 1970. It is believed that Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. For more Earth Day history and facts check out the Earth Day Network site.
Regardless of your opinion on global warming, recycling, conservation, outdoor activities, pollution, green energy and the like, I believe that Earth Day brought together thought leaders to help us all be more aware of our actions and inactions towards Mother Earth.
I decided to do some pondering about how Earth day may have impacted my view of the world during my traveling today.
My perspective was from the interstate. As I stared out at the landscape, much of it seemed to repeat itself, farm field after farm field, however in one field, I spied a large herd of deer in the distance taking their afternoon stroll and getting a snack along the way. I appreciated the fact that there was a fence bordering the farm field, and that there were signs posted on the interstate creating driver awareness of deer crossings to help prevent accidents. Thanks to Earth Day 1970, many protections for our wildlife are now in place. I stopped at a rest area to stretch my legs, and noticed the beautiful landscape, trees, grass, and picnic tables, not to mention trash and recycling receptacles in order to help us recycle and dispose of our trash appropriately. Breathing in the fresh spring air made me appreciate how strides have been made to prevent smog and air pollution as well.
April 22nd is Earth Day, so I urge you to take a couple of minutes to look out at the Earth and give your attention to the world around you. Do you have any suggestions on what can make our Earth even better? Do you feel compelled to join a movement or cause to help support our environment? Keep pondering as you travel, and look at your environment, and hopefully if an idea has not come to mind yet, it will soon!
