by Julliette Arroyo // Staff Writer
For many, Earth Day may just seem like an excuse to plant tree or pay a visit to your local park. However, there is much more to the holiday than you may think.
Forty-eight years ago, extreme air and water pollution filled our Earth. Rivers and bays were overwhelmed with garbage, sewage that flowed into the ocean and contaminated our waters, and toxic chemicals as well as exhaust polluted our air. Drastic events, such as, the Santa Barbara oil spill and the Cuyahoga River fire of 1969, made it evident that the health of our world was at high risk.
Luckily, Senator of Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, promoted the idea of environmental protection because of his belief that such issues were not being addressed. On April 22, 1970, millions of people nationwide participated in rallies, marches, and educational programs to raise environmental awareness. Eventually, this day became known as Earth Day.
Since the first Earth Day celebration, various acts, such as, the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Endangered Species Act, have been passed to better ensure the health of all biodiversity in the world. Along with the constant desire to support and protect our environment, Earth Day also gives us a reason to reconsider our selfish acts.
Paola Vargas, senior at Carson High School and member of Go Green Club shared, “Earth Day is a day we can show appreciation to our environment. This includes spreading awareness about pressing environmental issues and encouraging everyone to take care of the environment every day of the year, not just on Earth Day.”
While Earth Day advocates preserving nature, issues such as energy conservation, reducing air pollution, and recycling are just as important.
Ms. Vatandoust, Chemistry and AP Environmental Science teacher at the Academies of Education and Empowerment, shared how she has been doing her part in our environment for several years.
Ms. Vatandoust stated,“I definitely recycle as much as I can and have even reduced the amount of items that can’t be recycled. I’ve also installed more efficient toilet tanks to help conserve water along with the solar panels I have outside. It’s especially important to me because I love being able to take action and being a part of bettering the world for future generations. After all, we only have one Earth.”
Earth Day 2018 is dedicated to changing behavior and attitude towards plastics and encouraging the idea of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Although plastics may seem convenient for everyday life, the deadly effects they cause to our environment are not worth it. Earth Day is not a holiday that should be taken lightly. Caring for and nurturing Mother Earth is of great importance and is encouraged by all means necessary.