KATHERINE ALLEN
Gargoyle assistant editor
Posted Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Celebrated on the 22nd of April, Earth Day was designed in 1970 to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment. But I think Earth Day is a bit pessimistic.

Times are tough enough already. We don’t need to hear talk about island nations being submerged. We should focus on the many causes for optimism. Don’t see the polar ice cap as half-melted — look at it as a new shipping route!

Don't worry about problems. Jump to action and solve them. Worried about the rising temperatures? Just switch from Fahrenheit to Celsius — it's instantaneous, and the numbers get lower!

If, for instance, the sea levels rise, we can just build levees. Anyway, if we all lose a little weight we will stop pushing the continent down, causing the sea levels to rise around us.

It's also important that we get our facts right. It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.

We have come a long way since we celebrated Earth Day for the first time 39 years ago. Thanks to the efforts of environmentalists, our lives have become easier.

For example, due to the green trend in product packaging there is no stigma attached to littering anymore. Relax. Just toss your biodegradable wrappers on the ground. They will soon enough be absorbed into the earth.

Fluorescent light bulbs are so energy efficient. Honestly, it saves us the trouble of turning off lights all the time, and with sustainable energy sources like solar power we can run household appliances at all hours — guilt free!

Earth Day is really just another "special day," and apart from that, it is clear so much has already been accomplished. So really, who needs Earth Day?

Umm — all of us, actually.

We can't make up for a lifetime of excess in one day. Planting a tree on Earth Day doesn’t make you green if you love shopping or run the air conditioner nonstop.

Yet, lame humor aside, Earth Day still has purpose and relevance. And it is not about inane or boring advice like "recycle" or "use your bike." (If you claim to be "green," how about doing something less sexy — like picking up garbage on your way back from Kenney Gym?) Besides, is there anyone left on the planet who still doesn’t know that you're supposed to recycle?

The impacts of these rather insignificant actions are out of whack with the magnitude of the environmental problems coming at us.

I'm not saying don't bother. By all means don't let the tap run when brushing your teeth. But don't believe that once you've done that, you're off the hook.

The most important thing you can do is to educate yourself about the goal of environmental improvement and sustainability. You don't have to become an expert on everything green. We all have interests. Research it as it relates to your interest.

If you are a fashion lover, explore eco fashion. Some clothing (don't freak out, there’s more than just hemp out there) is made in a sustainable way. It is no longer only for the tree-hugging hippie types.

If you are interested in economic justice, look into fair trade. There is a link between people's well being and health, and it is usually inseparable from that of the environment.

There is a close connection between sports and the environment. A healthy environment is essential for optimum performance.

Music lovers can look into the claim that iPod batteries wear out too soon, forcing consumers to throw them away prematurely. If it's true, do something about it!

If you have activist inclinations, go and protest. If you care about people's living space, study green architecture. Interested in the food we eat? Buy organic food and research topics like genetically modified crops. Entertainers can fundraise and promote environmental awareness. Those interested in transportation can investigate President Barack Obama's high-speed rail proposal.

There's something out there for everyone.

At the very least keep in mind that concern about environmental issues will increasingly become a mainstream necessity and less and less a self-indulging exercise of the activist. We need answers that address people's lives, not their lifestyles.

Note: An earlier version of this column appeared as an entry in the OG Staff Blog.