Makenna Sowards—Free Response 2, Earth Day

 Earth day was yesterday, and it caused me to reflect on the origins of the holiday and how it has encouraged environmental awareness across the country. Even though Earth day only happens once a year, it calls attention to the impact of environmental degradation and the small ways that average citizens can lessen their carbon impact. Since it has become more of a commercialized practice, much like other holidays in the US, it is looked at in very logical, rational terms instead of taking the day to appreciate the world around us. Spending time in nature has a variety of benefits that we have discussed in class, and the under-appreciation of nature's gifts is the general attitude of our culture. On Earth day, everywhere on social media, companies and individuals come out of the works to express their appreciation and concern for the well-being of our planet. It makes me wonder, that if everyone cared and was this attentive to the practices that negatively impact our environment every day of the year, we'd surely be farther down the path of environmental recovery than we are now. I don't want to put down people that only post about or truly consider the environment once a year, I hope that they are encouraged to continue seeking more information and action on this subject beyond the facts and figures they learn about on Earth day.

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