Happy Earth Day - Why Bother?

Today, April 22,  is Earth Day.  A day when tree huggers, earth lovers and kooky environmentalists everywhere pledge to do more to help our ailing Mother Earth.   This special day was initiated in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson in an effort to educate and inform the general populace about the growing environmental problems facing our nation and the world.  Today, thirty -eight years later, we have to wonder if it's done any good?  

When it comes to the trend of "going green," does it make a difference?  Sure, I changed a few light bulbs and have started carrying reusable grocery bags.  I recycle here and there and at times try to conserve water.  I dream of purchasing a hybrid car one day.  But is that enough when on the other side of the planet, my twin in China or India is undoing all of my small efforts.  (It is estimated that even if the U.S. reduced its CO2 output by 25% this year - which would take a HUGE effort, China will have increased theirs by the same amount in only nine months.) 

Or what if I turn my life upside down in an effort to reduce my CO2 emissions.  I could plant a big garden and get rid of my car, start biking everywhere, eliminate meat from my diet and become a "locavore."  I could trade in my dryer for an old fashioned clothes line and start wearing sweaters instead of turning up the heater. Then would I be making a significant difference?  Frankly, probably not.  Because of the enormity of the problem, one person's carbon footprint will probably not shift the balance one way or the other.  

So again, why bother?

Well, here are a couple of reasons why I think we still need to care and make a bigger effort.  You may or may not agree with my reasoning, but then if you have a better idea let me know.  There are millions of people out there much smarter and wiser than me!

How about simply to set an example?  If enough people bother, we could set off a chain of events that changes our way of life.  Let's go viral!  30 years ago, Wendell Berry, a Kentucky farmer and writer, argued that the environmental crisis would have to be addressed first at home.  He was impatient with people who wrote checks to environmental agencies but didn't actually do anything at home.  (Think SUVs, McMansions, etc.)    Here is what he said:  "Once our personal connection to what is wrong becomes clear, then we have to chose:  we can go on as before, recognizing our dishonesty and living with it the best we can, or we can begin the effort to change the way we think and live."

As member of the LDS Faith we believe that we will be held accountable for our actions, and that we are stewards over the earth.  I hear far too often, oh, we've made such a mess of this planet already, only God will be able to fix it.  And while that may be true, it doesn't let us off the hook.  I can't imagine our Heavenly Father saying to us - by the time you got to the planet, it was too far gone; therefore your actions didn't matter.  Not going to happen!

In fact, if we look at the counsel of the prophets - they have been very environmental at times. The greatest example of this is the counsel to plant a  garden.  Planting a garden may sound very benign, but it is one of the most powerful things an individual can do to reduce his or her carbon footprint.  But more so, to reduce our sense of dependence and to increase our understanding of our relationship to this beautiful planet. Whether you have a large backyard garden or a few small pots on the balcony, gardening teaches us that our relationship to the planet is not a zero-sum game.

Here's another idea completely in line with the gospel.  Observe a stricter Sabbath.  Once a week completely refrain from economic activity, no shopping, no electronics, and where possible no driving.  Imagine if everyone in our nation went back to that practice once a week! If we all turned off the tvs, computers and "crackberries" and we walked with our neighbors to worship instead of driving to the mall- it would be amazing.

When it comes to environmental "sin", I am as guilty as the next person.  I am still attempting to align what I do with what I know.  But I am willing to take it one small step at a time.  This year I have pledged the simple act of eliminating plastic grocery bags from my life.  It's been a little painful to start because I am not yet in the habit of always having my reusable bags with me.  But it's getting easier.  I am also trying to observe the Sabbath more strictly - to turn off the computer and the television.  We are too far from our ward building to walk, but we can eliminate unnecessary driving.  And we are growing a small garden in pots by the driveway.  

So that's why I bother.  I know that my efforts are small and probably don't change the planet, but I might change my neighborhood.  (A few neighbors have started growing their own veggies next to ours.)  And lest we forget, it is by small and simple things that great things are brought to pass.  

My hope is that this year - you can be bothered to change just a little bit too.

Happy Earth Day