The earth is what we all have in common.
Wendell Barry
I remember the first Earth Day. We felt so proud and empowered, we were consciously considering what we, as people, were doing to destroy the very planet on which we lived. It was a wonderful feeling. There actually was an effort made during the 1970's. President Carter had solar panels installed on the White House, fuel standards for automobiles were set high and there was a push for alternative energy. Then came Ronald Reagan and the 1980's. I won't say anything further, I think the ensuing 29 years speak for them self.
I had these shoes, the original Earth Shoe. They were very popular and very comfortable. I find Earth shoes are still made and I am having trouble with sore feet. Perhaps I should give them a try all these years later. It always amazes me. What was once old is new again.This day has always been a cliche`, but perhaps we can give just a little thought to the damage we all do and try to find some way we can individually change something for the better.
9 comments:
Happy earth day! I picked some flowers from my neighbors front lawn, is that wrong? His weeds are now my flowers.
I couldn't agree more. To me it seems as if there is more talk today of Earth Day than when I was growing up. I would like to think that people are more aware of everything around us and trying to protect what is left. Hopeful here!
Explanation needed. I don't watch the news, I don't read the papers & I'm not American so tell me, what is *Earth Day*?
I hope people are becoming more aware - but we still rush too much and what sounds good today is too inconvenient tomorrow.
No, I don't think picking his weeds is wrong. Some weeds are beautiful.
Alicia, I was almost grown up on the first Earth Day, I think it was 1969 or 1970. The last few years it has become a media deal again. Needs to be more than that, IMO.
Ganeida, Earth Day started as a day to consider what we are doing to the planet. At the time it seemed very hopeful, but it went nowhere. It's been picked up again as a media talking point.
Jules, you are right. No one wants to be inconvenienced. The unfortunate truth is, in the end we will all be inconvenienced.
Sienna did a cool activity at school where they did an online calculation of their families 'carbon footprint'. It brought up some really good points about how to reduce energy consumption etc... Sienna was pretty excited about the topic and I hope that as more schools make kids aware of this stuff at an early age the future generation might take environmental impact into their thought a little more. We scored pretty well but I saw several things I could change. Those earth shoes are cute in a sort of so ugly they are cute kind of way : ) : ) : ) Do they come in other colors?
ooops that last comment was made by me, Ashley. My Mom is logged in on my computer. : ) : )
I should do that, the carbon footprint. I bet I would be high because of the tractor, skid loader, lawn tractors and livestock! I don't drive much and I stopped using air conditioning last year, but the other things will put me up there, I'm sure.
About the shoes, I don't think that style is made any more. That look was from 1970. I am considering a pair of boots. I wear work boots all day, everyday and my feet have started to give me trouble. I remember the negative heel of the earth shoe making them very comfortable.
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