As spring comes, we are reminded that the earth is a precious object that cannot be replaced. Keeping it in good shape is essential to living a healthier and happier life for ourselves and others. There are several ways to participate in this mission.
An easy way to do this is by participating in Earth Hour, an annual event organized by the World Wildlife Fund. It encourages families, businesses, and individuals to turn their lights off for 60 minutes “to show symbolic support for the planet and to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it.” [1] Although Earth Hour has already passed for this year, you can participate next year on March 23, 2024, at 8:30 p.m. PDT.
Spring and summer bring outdoor recreation. It is good to practice the “leave no trace” principle, which is a way to show support for the environment, keep land clean, and preserve it for the enjoyment of other trail users. The Leave No Trace program provides seven basic principles to keep trails clean. [2] You can learn more at https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/.
Plan ahead and prepare. Be ready for the unexpected and have emergency plans set for bad situations.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Be mindful of grassy areas or other fragile surfaces that can be damaged easily.
Dispose of waste properly. Pack trash out and know how to dispose of human waste in the wilderness.
Leave what you find. If everyone took a stick or stone from a wilderness area or National Park, they wouldn’t look nearly as nice. Save the souvenirs for the gift shop.
Minimize campfire impacts. Know how to build and extinguish a fire properly and safely.
Respect wildlife. Wildlife can be dangerous and carry many diseases or cause physical harm.
Be considerate of other visitors. Many people recreate in the wilderness to enjoy the peace and quiet. Try to keep noise and light levels low, especially at night.
Reminding ourselves of the earth’s need for care and being aware of its limited resources is important but is not enough to keep it pristine. Action must be taken on an individual basis. Unfortunately, just one person cannot make a difference in the preservation of the environment, but collectively, we can all make a difference.
References
The biggest hour for Earth. (n.d.). Earth Hour. https://www.earthhour.org/about/the-biggest-hour-for-earth
The 7 principles. (n.d.). Leave No Trace. https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
