LETTER TO THE EDITOR: As we celebrate another Earth Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the irony of this annual celebration.
Dear Sir,
As we celebrate another Earth Day (April 22), we should take a moment to reflect on the irony of this annual celebration. We dedicate a single day to the planet that we inhabit 365 days a year, a planet that has been our home for over 200,000 years. It’s a bit like throwing a lavish party for a friend, only to ignore them for the rest of the year.
We confront again the paradox of dedicating only a single day to acknowledging and addressing environmental issues when, in reality, these are ongoing concerns that require daily attention and action.
Earth Day, in its essence, is a global pat on the back, a day when we collectively nod and say, “Yes, we should probably take care of this place.” But what happens when the sun sets on Earth Day? The banners come down, the social media posts cease, and we return to our routines, many of which contribute to the very problems Earth Day aims to combat.
It’s akin to dieting for a day and then wondering why we haven’t lost weight. The Earth, much like our bodies, responds to consistent care, not sporadic bouts of attention.
Earth Day creates an illusion of action, a false sense that we’re doing enough. It’s a day filled with grand gestures and bold promises, but how many of these are followed through? It’s easy to plant a tree on Earth Day, but it’s harder to reduce our carbon footprint, to recycle, to make sustainable choices every day.
Perhaps the real effort shouldn’t be confined to Earth Day. Perhaps every day should be Earth Day. After all, every day is a day on Earth. Every day is a day when we can make choices that impact our planet.
So, this Earth Day, I urge that we change the narrative. Let’s not just celebrate our planet; let’s commit to it. Let’s make Earth Day a starting point, not an annual event. Let’s make every day a day for the Earth.
Because the Earth doesn’t need a day. It needs a future.
Sincerely,
A global citizen, Kimberley, South Africa
