According to earthday.org, on April 22, 1970, 20 million North Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to support the call for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized to protest against the deterioration of the environment.
This was a day that marked history allowing us to change the conversation on how we talk about and consider the environment in our daily activities.
49-years later we arrive at Earth Day 2019 - with an urgent push for a resilient response toward the impact of climate change. Reducing greenhouse gas, preserving our natural lands and fresh water resources while being aware of clean energy best practices, are things we may want to consider as we reside here on earth as global citizens.
Here in the Winnipeg METRO Region, we know that over the next 25 years, the population is expected to increase up to 40 per cent. How we choose to live now and prepare for our growing future will determine what kind of Manitoba we, our children and grandchildren, will live in. With much important and relative focus on climate change from our nations leader to leaders from all over the world, we may find ourselves wondering how we can do our part in order to mitigate risks that we are sure to face in a warming world.
The opportunity that exists to make our world a better place is already being harnessed by millions of people. The statistics according to a study done by Huffington Post in 2013 show that some of us are already taking measures into our own hands. Actions such as reducing how much energy we use, recycling more and protecting our water, natural lands and agricultural lands are all ways some have chosen to do their part.
Here are some other ways you can help, not just on Earth Day but any day of the year:
1 – Plant a Tree: trees clean the air and absorb pollutant gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone just to name a few. Doing this with your family cannot only help the environment, but allow you to plant a legacy and watch it grow for years to come.
2 – Extend the celebration: continue to incorporate ways to recycle and use less energy all year round.
3 – Share this article on your social media: sharing of information and helping to inform the public is as simple as the click of a button now.
It's people just like you that can help keep this important conversation going and pass these ways of life on to strong, caring and informed generations to come.
For more information on how you can help, please check out Do What Matters.
