What is Earth Day?
Earth Day was established in 1970 to bring awareness to environmental issues. Over 200 million people worldwide and at least 140 countries have participated in Earth Day celebrations. The same year, 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) was established in response to the growing demand for cleaner water, land, and air.
Why It Matters
So often, Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks are left out of “mainstream” environmental conversation, but we are also the most affected. As a Georgia girl, with roots in Alabama and Texas, I have always been able to see, learn, and explore nature. Honestly, I hated it growing up. My mommy tells the story of taking me to a petting zoo, and I was in my stroller disgusted with the whole experience. It was hot, smelly, and for some reason we were still there, despite my apparent misery. Over the years, I have attended many camps and been in organizations, where I have been able to learn about and advocate for the Earth. I saw the impact of real life issues like air pollution and access or lack thereof of clean water which resulted in asthma, skin conditions, and cancer.
It wasn't until the beginning of Covid-19, that I really thought about my relationship with nature and the earth, but it has always been right there in my face. From the red Georgia clay that was on the playgrounds, or the unpredictable Georgia and Alabama weather, or the variety of birds, these are all things I‘d engaged and interacted with throughout my life. Over the past few years, I have taken up birdwatching, hiking, garden cleanups, and my personal favorite outside yoga. I have also worked with organizations like the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law to support organizations who fought for clean air. Specifically, there is a stretch from New Orleans, Louisiana to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where these communities are deemed "cancer alley." Read more about how these communities are fighting back.
Who is Doing the Work.
A few years ago, when I worked on the Warren campaign, I met a Black woman marine biologist! 👩🏽🔬🪸 Her name is Dr. Ayanna and you all should check out her work and her instagram for the highlights! TikTok has brought me to so many Black farmers, gardeners, and even foragers, like Alexis Nikole! For most of her life, at age 16, Mari Copeny, better known as "Little Miss Flint," has advocated for clean water, in her hometown of Flint, Michigan. It is so empowering to see Black and Brown folks cultivate literal spaces of life and to share info with each other on how to use and advocate for better living conditions.
This Earth Day, I’m happy to be in community with so many others, worldwide, (special shoutout to the Black girls, women, and gnc folks) who are helping us to learn more about the Earth, and how to take care of the Earth. *cues we're all in this together*
Happy Earth Day, y'all, take some time today to learn more about the Black and Brown folks working to reimagine sustainability as we know it!
Here are a few ways that you be intentional about caring for the Earth:
Use reusable tote bags, bottles, or dishes
Upcycle/Thrift
Add plants to your living space
Eat more plant-based foods
Share a plant with a friend/neighbor
Volunteer locally
Grow things (fruits, veggies, herbs, etc.)
Carpool/Use public transit
Follow + Support people doing "the work" (funds, sharing posts, attending events)
With peace and love,✌🏾
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