This year for Lent, I gave up plastic bags. Cold turkey. If I went to the store without my bag, I either purchased new reusable bags or shoved what I could in my purse and juggled the rest to my car like a uncoordinated circus clown.
When I decided to give up my plastic bags, I was so proud to tell my kids of my commitment to help protect the planet, because I have a tendency to use more than a reasonable amount of bags. In my defense, I always have good intentions to take my reusable bags, but intentions and actions aren’t always the same thing.
I am the parent of two very Earth-conscious people. One of them, the social media lead for NASA Earth, and the other, a very environmentally-conscious college senior, are both living lives that make it clear they are willing to personally sacrifice for the greater good.
While I am very proud of their commitment, I hate to admit that I am not sure I deserve much credit for it. I have always considered myself to be pretty Earth-friendly, but as I listen to them talk about what they are doing, it is clear that my own knowledge of environmental issues is a bit dated.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, I am sad to say that I don’t have anywhere near 50 years of environmental education. And it’s not because I haven’t been alive the entire time!
While that first Earth Day had significant impact through the creation of the EPA, OSHA, the Clean Air Act and the beginning of much needed legislation regarding the environment, the question remains: Did it really change people’s behavior?
As a kid when the Earth Day movement came about, I remember drawing a picture in school each year about how I could make difference. My takeaway from those early Earth Day promotions was to not litter and turn off the lights when I leave a room. We were well-versed and fully behind Woodsy Owl and his ‘Give a hoot! Don’t pollute!’ campaign.
So, what has changed? Sadly, it seems like not a great deal. I asked several of my kids’ friends for their memories of Earth Day activities as they were growing up. A couple of my respondents remembered making a poster or doing a small craft project, but most don’t really have any memory of much beyond acknowledging it was Earth Day.
One response to my question really hit me hard. She didn’t remember much other than one sixth grade teacher who helped her students follow the BP oil spill and its impact as it made the news. This teacher, because she was passionate about the Earth, made it a priority to educate her students not only on Earth Day, but all year long. The biggest thing the teacher conveyed, sixteen years ago and still crystal clear in her student’s mind, was that everyone can make a difference. The funny thing about that is, I have heard the exact same thing from both my kids. I can’t fix the problem, but I can do my part.
However, in order to do my part, I have to know what needs to be done. As I mentioned, much of what I know about making a positive impact on the environment is very dated. My most current information is from my kids. I know a great deal about climate change because I watch videos produced by my daughter and talk with my son about Earth-focused articles that he shares. 
The environmental concerns of my childhood, even those of my kids’ younger days, while still important, are not the most critical issues today. In order to effectively make change, we all have to continue to listen and learn. To hear from scientists and people who specialize in environmental research, and to make changes that are necessary right now.
As a parent, I am so proud of the things that my kids sacrifice and the stands they each take on causes they believe in. They have encouraged my husband and me to make changes, to look at what we can do. I can’t take credit for educating them about conservation, environmental impact, climate change, or many of the key pieces that go into helping keep this amazing planet intact. I will take credit for believing in them and convincing them that they can make difference.
Now it’s my turn to do more. It’s my turn to share what I have learned about helping protect our environment.
But most of all, as a parent, it’s my responsibility to continue to remind my kids and everyone else who will listen that each of us has a responsibility to make a difference. You see, I want the very best for my kids. I want to give them the world, but unless some things change soon and in significant ways, the world won’t be much of a gift to give.
I am just one person. I cannot single-handedly change the world. I can’t stop climate change on my own. I am one person who is committing to do what I can for the benefit of the world. Please join me and invite a friend. Together we can make every day Earth Day.
