Comments on: Earth Day: Why Bother?

By: Mike Sowden

Mike Sowden — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:49:58 +0000

Thanks for calling by, Ryan. :

Interesting point: is Earth Day still pushing societies towards a green “tipping point”, beyond which everyone’s hugely, exponentially more aware of green issues?

I’d certainly like to think…but I’m not sure I do. I’m with Grist in thinking Earth Day’s impact is falling off enough to really matter in the long run, in a way that hinders this kind of change…

Take the election of President Obama and the green principles he wears on his sleeve. If the last 5 Presidents had all had explicitly eco-friendly agendas, this wouldn’t be such a ground-thumpingly exciting time for the environmental movement, and it wouldn’t be acting as such a wake-up call to much of America. It’s the contrast that’s so effective here.

Same with Earth Day, my gut tells me.

By: Mike Sowden

Mike Sowden — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:43:53 +0000

Luanne : yep, I think we’re allowed to say “screw” in this case. 😉 My defence is: Grist started it! (My Inner Child now feels triumphant). 😉

I agree, it still serves a purpose if it gets people to re-examine their habits, which it does. But is there a better way to shake people up? And I’ll admit, the dimming of cities for an hour is something that grates me with me personally when the rest of the year they’re absolutely ablaze with light.

I’d prefer it every every year, on every Earth Hour, every city switched off a small percentage of its nighttime lights…and *never switched them on again*. That would be real change.

By: Ryan Arroyo

Ryan Arroyo — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:57:10 +0000

You make a good point. I agree with you, that it is important to acknowledge the fact that we cannot surmount the climate crisis by changing our ways on only one day or within one hour. However, it is awareness of the important ideals these events support that continues to be relevant. I still don't think this awareness has reached critical mass, a point that is hopefully growing closer, yet remains the final obstacle before REAL change can be made. The best time to start is right now! Ryan Arroyo's last blog post..Garden 2.0?! EasyBloom Plant Sensor Product Review

By: Luanne Bradley

Luanne Bradley — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:18:12 +0000

Mike, I only wish Hallmark made Earth Day cards so I could send them to family and friends. Actually, I do like the education component to Earth Day at schools. My kids have learned much over the years as teachers draw attention to the plight of the planet, get everyone composting and recycling. I told my cynical husband last night that changing even one person’s mind can make a difference. I think if we focus on neighbors first, and then the globe, we could make a difference! Thanks for the post. Are we allowed to say screw?