There are so many days during the year that provide us the opportunity to celebrate people, events, and so much more: Mother’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Arbor Day, Independence Day, Groundhog Day, New Year’s Day, and the list goes on and on.
Well, this Saturday, April 22, 2017, we all get to celebrate the planet we live on with Earth Day! The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 and has continued ever since giving us all a unified focus on this planet which, hopefully, continues throughout the rest of the year. The theme for Earth Day 2017 is environmental and climate literacy as global warming continues to affect the weather and animal habitats. Read more.
The Sisters of Mercy, our sponsors here at Maria College, keep a special place in their hearts for Mother Earth in their five critical concerns which they “address through prayer; attention to personal, communal and institutional choices; education; advocacy with legislators and other government leaders; and corporate engagement.” Read more.
Along with immigration, non-violence, racism, and women, the Sisters have placed the Earth in the list as they state, “We believe in the need to work toward the sustainability of life and support movements and legislation that secure the fundamental right to water for everyone, and that address climate change.”
Please be sure to take some time on Saturday to reflect on the actions we can all take every day to cherish and protect this Earth. Here are just a few:
- Pay attention to how you use (and waste) water.
- Walk or ride a bike rather than hop in the car for short errands.
- Recycle paper and plastic.
- Pay bills online rather than through paper.
- Use a refillable water bottle.
- Head to the grocery store with reusable shopping bags.
Happy Earth Day!
Until next time . . .
Anne