As a naturalist, environmental educator, and journalist, I can't avoid celebrating Earth Day's purpose and mission. I appreciate the stories on national media that acknowledge the beauty of nature and the need to protect our planet. However, I also feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. I wonder if my fellow environmental journalists and activists share this experience.
I watched a video of a young Italian activist crying this morning. I get it. I feel like crying often, too. Immersing ourselves in the fate of our planet, watching species go extinct, experiencing the disinterest in people around us, and bearing witness to it all is overwhelming.
So how do we move forward? I counter my research and writing on issues that often frighten me with stories of hope and success. I turn to celebrating the small victories, which I believe are the seeds of change. I'll admit, on Earth Day I also turn off media, go outside and let nature do its thing. I listen to the bird song when I wake up and breathe in the world around me. I spend time watching spring unfold, a small victory in itself.
How will you celebrate Earth Day today?
