I applaud those who established the original Earth Day, in 1970, and those who organize and promote its annual commemoration. Today, we stop to marvel at the beauty and diversity of our planet, acknowledge the many ways in which we impact our natural world and investigate how we, collectively and individually, can reduce that impact.
Unfortunately, like half-hearted Christians who limit their church attendance to Christmas and Easter, many who gather for the Earth Day celebrations are there to enjoy the music, eat the organic foods and walk away with free saplings. They hear the message, voice their support and then return to their usual lifestyle, which often includes excessive consumption of fossil fuels, the use of herbicides and pesticides, a limited effort at recycling and little support for conservation organizations.
Americans love their holidays and retailers love them more. Even Earth Day, with its vital message of hope for our planet, has become just another heavily-marketed opportunity for consumerism.
