What’s Your Shade of Green?
Many years ago, I bought a t-shirt at Disney that had a picture of Kermit the Frog and the words, “It’s easy being green.” For a long time, that t-shirt was a favorite of mine. It also served as a great conversation starter to get people talking about the environment.
So, as we prepare to celebrate Earth Day – a day when an estimated 1 billion people mobilize for action – I thought I’d pose the question, “What’s your shade of green?”
Are you someone who picks up litter while you’re out jogging or walking? If so, congratulations! You’re part of the plogging trend.
Have you committed to eating less meat to combat the climate crisis? If so, that’s fantastic! According to a recent article in Scientific American, that means you’re contributing to an effort to reduce greenhouse gases. (The article notes, “If every person in the U.S. cut their meat consumption by 25 percent, it would reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1 percent.”)
Do you reject plastic bags at the grocery store? If so, your efforts may help save our sea turtles: according to WWF, sea turtles ingest plastic bags because they look like jellyfish. Unfortunately, 22% of sea turtles who ingest just one piece of plastic die as a result.
Have you stopped using pesticides? You may just help save bees and other pollinators from extinction.
Have you pledged to plant our native plants on your property? If so, you’re part of a broader community that works to #NurtureNative.
Many of Little Red Wagon’s customers know that Doug Tallamy, professor of entomology and wildlife at the University of Delaware, is one of my favorite scientists. In an interview last year, Doug had this to say about Earth Day:
Q. What does Earth Day mean to you?
Tallamy: It’s an opportunity to remind people that our only option for continued presence on Planet Earth is to keep its life-support systems healthy. That doesn’t just mean doing things that are temporarily good for humans. It means keeping all the species that comprise nature in good form, because without them, the ecosystems that support us will collapse.
Let’s heed Doug’s advice. Let’s strive to save the planet for ourselves, our children, and our wildlife. Even small changes can make a difference. Reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share what steps you’re taking to save the earth. We love hearing from you.
Happy Earth Day!