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 Earth Day: Mobilize the Earth The Meaning and History of Earth Day Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment. The name and concept of the day was pioneered by John McConnell, an environmental activist who proposed the idea of a global holiday called Earth Day at a UNESCO conference on the environment in 1969. Concurrently, former Senator Gaylord Nelson of the United States became very concerned with the condition of our planet. He noticed that the world was being polluted and that many of the plants and animals were dying, and wondered why more people were not aware of these problems and trying to find solutions. Senator Nelson planned a special day to teach people about the things that needed changing in our environment. He wrote letters and articles for the people to tell them about the special day he had planned and targeted the schools for their assistance.
Finally, the efforts of McConnell and Nelson were realised when on April 22, 1970, the first official United Nations endorsed Earth Day celebration was held. People all over the United States of America made promises to help the environment. Everyone got involved and since then, Earth Day has spread around the globe. Earth Day Celebrations Millions of people around the world in more than 175 countries observe Earth Day and its importance. Every year, people are urged to take the time to appreciate their environment and are moved to become more environmentally conscious. Persons are advised to take an active role to help conserve and preserve the Earth’s natural environment. As a small community we all share in this purposeful annual celebration of our natural environment in many different ways. Our natural environment is comprised of all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth. In the Virgin Islands some of our special and fragile natural environments include salt ponds, ghuts, dry forests, beaches, mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs. The Conservation and Fisheries Department has over the years held community wide cleanups, shared news releases and organized educational presentations and campaigns with facts as it relates to Earth Day. Why Protect the Earth? Human interventions have too often resulted in environmental loss. Improper planning has on many occasions lead to erosion or some infrastructural damage which in turn lead to environmental devastation. Recently, there were many unexpected weather interruptions that have on numerous occasions negatively affected the value and very existence of our natural resources. The Conservation and Fisheries Department at work As a department we proudly bear the mandate to educate the community and ensure that these valuable natural resources that are at risk to poor development decisions and other local impacts, remain secure through well thought out conservation plans. The Department recognizes the need for proper education and awareness campaigns to be implemented throughout the Territory. We take every opportunity given to share information on every aspect of the environment. Together, we strive to develop new ideas and implement new strategies for more effective solutions. Taking Action for Earth Day 2012 The theme for Earth Day 2012 is “Mobilize the Earth.” We too see the need to mobilize the Earth from the ground up. We must unite for a change in our environment from the ground up and ensure this change benefits our people for generations to come. This year we encourage the society to help maintain a healthy balance in nature by being careful to reduce our use of the Earth’s resources that is to reduce our “ecological footprint.” We can do this by minimising our use of water, energy and other raw materials and by replacing what we can by reusing, recycling or even planting a tree. The community can help in various ways, from actions as small as walking or biking in the central area, carpooling or even greening your own surroundings. Every act of green can help the environment in some way. The Conservation and Fisheries Department will take all steps necessary to ensure the sustainability of our natural environment as we envision an environment that is well managed, protected and preserved to maintain the unique ecological features and natural beauty of The Virgin Islands. This year the Department will take action and lead the community into a week- long coastal cleanup campaign. From the 16-20 April, we will walk along the coastal area of the British Virgin Islands shores and remove garbage. As part of our Earth Day drive for 2012, we endeavour to take every opportunity to help our environment and ensure its health. Our focus is not only on Earth Day, but also on each day in which we are given, to ensure the betterment of our natural environment. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23 Help the Environment – Reduce your ecological footprint! · Get a reusable bag (available for free at the Conservation & Fisheries Department) · Use both sides of paper · Walk, bike or carpool · Green your space – Plant trees · Change to energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) · Turn off your lights when not in use · Buy rechargeable batteries · Replace disposables with reusable · Go paperless · Create a Tree Free Home: - replace paper napkins with cloth - purchase e-books - use voicemail or email to send messages · Switch to water efficient faucets, showerheads and toilets · Invest in Low Emission vehicles |
