The 'Perils' of Earth Day

TODAY IS EARTH DAY. Unfortunately, many don't know what or why this is. I will try to provide some context.

Every year, one day is set aside to allow us pause and appreciate our planet. On this day we are meant to focus on issues and practices that are perceived to be damaging or sustaining to the planet. Today, about 1 billion people celebrate earth day around the world.

For those who still doubt this, the earth is the only place we can live. It is all we got. Aside from ratcheting up recycling and cutting down on wasteful behaviour, it is time we realize that a paradigm shift is needed.

In all fairness, many more individuals and organizations have bought in to good environmental practices. The biggest hurdle today is no longer convincing skeptical folks, but the sustainability of our collective efforts. Even David Suzuki will agree that we cannot in one day undo centuries of neglect, however every one's efforts counts.

The danger of setting aside one day is that folks will improve their earth-friendly activities days before April 22. But what happens days, weeks, months before and after Earth day?

Just the other day, I read with some disappointment a news story about a recycling issue in Toronto. The gist is that the municipality's waste disposal unit is refusing to pick up recycled products from homes if they are not placed in the regular bins. Reason given: "not our policy". Most folks who take the time to recycle products will not be impressed by this. It is this type of behavior discourages people.

Sustainability will involve a paradigm shift. We have to realize that every little effort counts. Clearly bad policies like in the Toronto case don't help. If we are to recycle effectively, the process has to be friendly and convenient. We need to move away from just paying a mere 'lip service' to this issue.

My advice for everyone is simple. Re-evaluate your habits and adjust likewise. Do your part! Plant those trees, recycle, buy locally and [City of Toronto pick up all recycled products]. Ensure the changes you make are sustainable.

Finally, remember that just like you, "the Earth has rights".