Last Saturday, April 22, was Earth Day, so let us take a moment to reflect on the gains we have made over the last fiveplus decades since that holiday began. We have done much as a society to accelerate environmental progress, yet there is still so much left to accomplish.
Celebrated around the globe, Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day to provide education about, and demonstrate support for, environmental issues. When it comes to recognizing the need to care for our planet, humans have come a long way, but there’s still much more to be done.
The thought of working to rectify hundreds of years of ignorance and denial about the injuries we inflict on our air, water, land and wildlife, may lead many people to think that a single person cannot do much. This is not true. There are little things that each of us can do that really will help the environment. A good place to start is by practicing the three Rs: first Reduce how much you use, then Reuse what you can, and then Recycle the rest. Finally, dispose of what’s left in the most environmentally friendly way. Try to buy permanent items instead of disposables; buy and use only what you need; and purchase products with less packaging and that use fewer toxic materials. We can also close the “three Rs” loop by purchasing as many items made of recycled goods as possible. These actions are in line with the Earth Day Network’s mission “to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle to build a healthy, sustainable environment, address climate change, and protect the Earth for future generations.”
We should also note that Arbor Day is tomorrow, Friday, April 28. Those with the means are certainly encouraged to plant trees to commemorate the occasion.
And don’t forget about the annual town-wide Pick It Up! Livingston community clean-up day on Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. We can all help keep this town beautiful by working in teams to pick up litter on the side of our roadways. Even one hour of your time can contribute to making Livingston a little bit nicer than it already is.
Families and individual residents, local civic clubs and organizations, youth groups and students are all welcome to join (and it’s a great way to log community service hours). Bags, gloves, safety vests, and waste disposal will be provided. People can register through the town calendar at livingstonnj.org and may call 862-223-8566 or email [email protected] with any questions.
These holidays and events provide simple, actionable ways to beautify and protect our environment in Livingston. Let us take advantage of the opportunities.
