46 years of Earth Day

Published 8:00 am Saturday, April 23, 2016

Friday marked the 46th observance of Earth Day. Each year on April 22, more than 190 countries celebrate Earth Day, which many consider to be the birth of the modern environmental movement.

Of all the great social and ecological endeavors humans have sought to affect, encouraging concern for, and the care of our planet, has been perhaps the most difficult to attain. While we as individuals often fail to notice our impact, advances in the sciences have helped us to see the overall impact of the human “footprint.”

Some examples:

Every day the population on earth grows by approximately 211,000 people — the size of Akron, Ohio. How our population views our earth determines how we treat it and our environment.

Locally, while it seems that such drastic activities as listed may not be observed to any noticeable degree, it is not too difficult to find examples of our own impact. Trash on our highways and along the banks of the Oconee and its tributaries are just some of the signs. Abandoned and unkempt properties point to others.

Communities littered with trash reflect disregard or concern not only for the physical environment, damaging neighborhoods’ natural beauty, but it also negatively impacts property values and oftentimes gives off the impression that local residents simply do not care. It also presents health concerns if not addressed.

No one should want that first impression to be one with roadways strewn with litter. What we put out and put into our environment directly reflects on us and our communities. It says a lot about us.

It’s important that we make a conscious effort — not just this week but every week and every day — to not be a part of the problem and find a way to create new solutions. If we desire to make a true impact, we must be cognizant of our earth every day, not only on Earth Day’s annual observance.