One day of increased recycling is not enough

Frontiersman Editorial Board

Today is Earth Day and, like so many "official" days, it is received with mixed emotions. The point of these official days is often missed, perhaps because there are so many of them. The sheer number of special days on the calendar can dilute the purpose for their existence.

The idea behind Earth Day is not so that we'll take one day each year and do something nice for the environment. It's not a conspiracy by fanatical environmentalists to force an agenda -- one day at a time -- upon everyone else. The idea is simply so that, in at least some subtle way, we'll spend at least part of at least one day giving some thought to the importance of protecting the environment.

Whether you're a rabid "tree hugger" or a gas-in-your-veins off-roader, the responsible stewardship of the environment matters to you. Even if you think it doesn't, it matters. Whether you live in a densely-packed apartment in the asphalt jungle or in a one-room cabin in the wilderness, the health of the environment affects you.

Perhaps the best possible outcome of Earth Day would be a dialogue between people who believe they stand in opposition -- though in reality they do not. That dialogue might result in a compromise that created a sustainable environment that could effectively benefit everyone. The outcome would not be to ban all resource extraction, but it would be to manage that extraction in a way that would leave the environment intact and viable. The outcome would not be to silence animal rights activists, or to chase hunters from the wilderness, but to finally bring them together to find solutions that protect animals from illegal activity while allowing hunters to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

If all we get from Earth Day is a once-per-year clean-up effort and a brief increase in recycling, we've accomplished little. The paradox of living in the Valley is easily seen with just a tilt of the head. Standing outside and looking out toward the horizon, you might see one of the magnificent peaks that surround us. Standing in the same place and looking down at your feet, you shouldn't be surprised to see a discarded beer bottle, several cigarette butts, torn grocery bags and other assorted litter.

Yes, today is Earth Day, but we've got to live on the Earth every day. Since we're effectively sharing the same yard, wouldn't it be nice if we could agree to take care of it?