Is Earth Day Dead?

Earth Day is on April 22 this year, and some are claiming that this environmental-awareness “holiday” is a sham. They cite the fact that Earth Day (and the recently celebrated Earth Hour) isn’t really tackling any of the main problems. And I agree. However, I 100% believe that Earth Day and Earth Hour are good for the world.

The main problem opponents see with these celebrations is that they’re targeting consumption, not the bigger problem – production. Yes, but using less energy, we’re al helping the world. However, the major players in the energy battle are the large corporations. The only way to truly see a “greener” world is for these manufacturers to start making big production changes.

In other words, consumers don’t mean much in the big picture.

At least, that’s what they’re saying. Earth Day and Earth Hour don’t matter as much because they’re only celebrated by the consumer, not by the producer.

As unprofessional as it is, I’m giving anyone with that attitude the middle finger. Sorry, mom.

The fact of the matter is that there are many, many people out there who don’t think before they act. They print off that 30-page report that they don’t need. They sit in their living room watching TV with every light in the house turned on. They drive to work every day in their big SUVs even though they could carpool with a neighbor who works in the same building.

Awareness day’s aren’t about actually helping the environment for 24 hours (or an hour in the case of Earth Hour). They’re about getting people talking. They’re about teaching our children to grow up and get corporate jobs and make the environment a priority.

Bottom line is that I know turning off my lights for an hour won’t solve anything in the long run. However, people are still talking about it. Maybe that hour of lights out has inspired some people to spend every evening outside with their families instead of inside watching TV. When consumer trends change, the way companies implement change to accommodate…and that’s a good thing.

Viva la Earth Day/Hour!