THUNDER BAY – Everyday Should be Earthday! I recently visited to a website outlining the top ten actions people can take to reduce their ecological footprint for Earthday.
I couldn’t agree more with the strategies……
- Buying only what you need
- Reduce energy usage, use fluorescent lightbulbs
- Walk or carpool
- Buy local organic foods
- Hang out clothes to dry
- Turn heating and air conditioning systems down
- Vacation close to home
- Reduce water consumption – take short showers
- Use non-toxic cleaning supplies
- Reduce waste and donate unwanted materials
However valuable these strategies may be, I don’t believe we need a special day to promote these worthwhile actions. These actions should be embedded in how we live our everyday lives for the benefit of our whole community.
We have to realize that our earth is a precious resource that must be treated with respect. If we do nothing, then our economic, social and environmental future is bleak.
As John F. Kennedy stated,” Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future.”
I have a very young family. My three boys, my wife and I all enjoy the outdoors. Whether it is in our parks, camping, or fishing our quality of life is significantly enhanced by the quality of our environment. If we all take action now our children will be able to enjoy an economically, socially and environmentally just society.
Locally, I am very pleased with the Community Environmental Action Plan that the City of Thunder Bay has adopted. It is a road map for a positive future. One part of that plan involves the enhancement and maintenance of the urban forest. This is an important strategy for air quality, waterflow management, erosion and beautification. For the last three years I have facilitated the development and growth of our urban forest by bringing together community members from youth to seniors to plant over 1800 trees in the Boulevard Lake area. This is one way we can collectively plant for a cleaner, healthier and more beautiful future.
Let’s not forget that we all can make a difference this Earthday and everyday!
Councillor, Current River Ward
Thunder Bay, Ontario