We are the keepers of this garden

There is a word tossed about in economic development circles that also pops up in conversation on Earth Day: sustainability.

In Alaska, sustainability calls to mind generations of Alaska Native people who continue as their ancestors before them to rely on the bounty of this land for their subsistence.

Since 1970, the United States has celebrated Earth Day on April 22. And while some folks bristle at the mention of this “hippie tree-hugger holiday,” we see lots of common ground here and plenty to celebrate.

Surely even the most ardent supports of resource development in Alaska also love trees, clean water and air, wildlife and fish. That shared respect for Alaska’s natural bounty is enough common ground for us to unite as a community and celebrate these gifts entrusted to us.

Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss has designated April as Resource Awareness Month “to encourage all citizens to reduce, recycle and develop resources, foster the growth of jobs and promote sustainable energy practices in the borough.”

We notice in this resolution’s broad wording that DeVilbiss’ designation seems to celebrate both Earth Day and resource development. While this is an unconventional blend for this holiday, it also is an acknowledgement of where we live in the world.

A huge portion of Alaska’s economy — about a third — is based on non-renewable resource extraction — oil, gas, gravel, etc. A smaller slice of the economic pie comes from renewable resources such as fish, agriculture and timber harvests.

However, even under the most careful stewardship, resource extraction will eventually end because it is not, in economic development terms, sustainable.

Typically, Earth Day is a celebration of sustainability, the notion that an action can be done indefinitely. It’s the idea that if managed properly, Alaska’s rivers and streams will yield a harvest of salmon to feed Alaska’s people indefinitely. At its core, Earth Day reminds us that since the beginning, we have been tasked as keepers of this garden.

We are all gardeners tasked with the Earth’s care. Inherent in Earth Day is a challenge to think about our actions and their impacts and consider ways we can add sustainable practices to our daily lives — while saving money.

Did you know weatherizing your home or business saves more than it costs? And that there are state rebate programs to help pay the initial cost?

Or, that fixing a leaking faucet can save water, electricity and preserve your wife’s nerves?

There’s also a positive economic impact to buying as much food as you can locally and switching to reusable water bottles and grocery bags.

Reusing the leaves and grass clippings from your yard to make compost will save on landfill fees and the purchase of fertilizer for your yard or garden.

If you have a business, check your lighting fixtures. Some Alaska businesses already have saved hundreds — or thousands — of dollars by changing the type of fixtures and bulbs used in their facilities.

Today, in honor of Earth Day and the volunteers who work year-round at the Valley Community for Recycling Solutions, we salute our neighbors who have worked for years to make recycling in the Valley a day-to-day reality.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the first recycling event in the Mat-Su Borough, according to the April 1, 1998, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman. Previously, Valley residents had to drive to multiple locations to turn in newspaper, aluminum, plastics and other recyclables.