Shine A Light for the Earth

April 22, 2011
A to Z Blogging Challenge
Day 19 - S

For the Christian world, today is Good Friday. The faithful fast, recreate the walk of the cross, reflect on certain aspects of in their lives that need attention, and pray. It’s a solemn day that prepares the Christian for the celebration of Easter.

Easter – the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. That’s why Easter falls on a different Sunday each year. Honest. It’s a bit pagan, isn’t it?

Today is also Earth Day 2011. Founded in 1970 on the premise that everyone, regardless of race, religion, location or income has a moral right to a healthy environment, Earth Day reminds us to take stock of how we live our lives, and what positive changes we may need to adopt.

There’s something about Good Friday and Earth Day falling together that strikes me as very appropriate, although I don’t think we need to give up our life(style) to make the world a better place. I think we need to pick one thing we can do better and consistently do it. From there, if you choose, you can build on your success and step up to the next thing. Lists of ideas abound on the Internet so I won’t bore you with suggestions. Myself, I’ve taken steps that are both financially practical and environmentally friendly.

My home has an upgraded heat pump and compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout. Both my partner and myself us stainless steel reusable water bottles and coffee travel mugs that cost a small fortune, but are very good quality and will last forever. As a country girl, some of the things like composting are way old school stuff. It’s all little things, and admittedly painless, but it’s always a good thing when doing the right thing doesn’t hurt.

Of course, I’ve got to give a plug to ebooks. Think of the trees you save by buying ebooks. After people, trees are the number one thing that can most benefit the environment.

So shine a light for the blue planet, metaphorically speaking. This is our home, the only one we have. We may or may not be all alone out here in the void. If we are indeed alone, we need to take care of us because we’re worth it.

KC