This week marks the 51st Earth Day since its creation by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson.  In 1970, Senator Nelson convinced the United States Congress that the planet was at risk and that something needed to be done to draw attention to the simple human daily activities (use of plastics, deforestation, pollution) that were contributing to the substantial environmental challenges that our planet faced and still faces today. 

The message that Nelson hoped to convey with the creation of Earth Day was “embrace and encourage social and political action by bringing attention to and promoting awareness of how we treat the world around us.”   

Today, Earth Day is a global event and this year’s theme is “Restore the Earth.” It’s dedicated to focusing on “natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems,” reports EarthDay.org.  

Some Eye–Opening Environmental Statistics 

 While much has been done in the last 51 years, there is still much to do. 

  • Today, the Average American generates about 4.5 pounds of garbage every day compared to the 2.68 pounds on average in 1960. 
  • Twenty of the warmest years ever recorded on Earth have occurred over the past twenty two years. 
  • Scientists estimate that about twelve different species of plants or animals go extinct every day around the world. 
  • China is the world’s top pesticide user deploying four times more pesticide than Brazil and the US. 
  • Nearly eighty percent of all plastic ever produced by humans is still in the environment. 
  • Medical waste has increased by 40% since the start of Covid-19. 
  • The US uses over 100 billion plastic bags each year.  

 Creative and Positive Ways to Impact the Environment 

 As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we thought we’d share some of the ways our team members are making simple changes in our lives to help our environment.   

  • Support environmentally friendly businesses. Send an earth friendly creation from Fresh Cut Paper, https://www.freshcutpaper.com/   
  • Make a bird feeder out of reusable cartons and supplies for your yard.  
  • BYOB, Bring Your Own Bags. Say no to plastic bags and use reusable bags.
  • Ditch the plastic, use a reusable cup next time you fill up for water or coffee.  
  • Say no to dryer sheets and fabric softener, use dryer balls instead. 
  • Support your local utilities and drink tap water. Jazz it up with fresh fruit from your local farm stand. 
  • Explore the Earth – go for a socially distanced walk at a local park or discover a favorite hiking spot. 
  • Drive less, walk or bike to your destination if possible. Find transportation alternatives that reduce your carbon footprint and get you moving. 
  • Support local farms and farm shares, or if you have a green thumb start your own organic garden. 
  • Donate unused clothing and household items to families in need. 
  • Invest in companies that tackle climate change, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy. 
  • Use earth friendly cleaning products. Ditch the paper towels. Use a cloth towel instead. 
  • Know how you impact the environment. Calculate your carbon footprint: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/  
  • Spread the word: as simple as it is, bringing awareness to others will make a difference to help save the earth. The future is dependent on all of us working together.  

 And of course, be sure to join the Earth Day’s virtual events on April 20, 21, and 22 to celebrate our planet and learn about more ways to protect and preserve it. https://www.earthday.org