​Wrangling the lean green Earth Day scene

Wednesdays at The High Plains Reader office have a frantic yet positive energy to them as we strive to make our deadline and give Fargo-Moorhead the best darn paper we can. Though this morning,with a smile on his face, John Strand urged us to look out the window and to observe a few NDSU students outside picking up garbage in observance of Earth Week.

Earth Day has been in our consciousness since the spring of 1970. According to earthday.org, it was founded by Gaylord Nelson a US Senator from Wisconsin who witnessed the carnage of a massive oil spill in 1969 off the coast of Santa Barbara California.

Inspired by the energy of the student anti-war movements of the era, he figured why not use some of that energy and apply it toward environmental consciousness? This led directly to the creation of the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency, which eventually led to the passing of the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Endangered Species Acts.

Who doesn’t appreciate Earth Day? But that being said while being fully conscious of the environment, why is the mere thought of climate change so controversial? But then again if the masses had to actually care about the environment for more than one day out of the year we would be forced to change our lifestyles. Maybe that’s why that thought is so threatening.

Why is caring about our air and water quality still a countercultural movement? It’s an alternative lifestyle until it’s a “real” problem--then it’s a state of emergency and then the masses start to open their eyes--or at least one eye...halfway.

Doesn’t it make sense to strive for sustainability, drinkable water, breathable air, and acknowledge that we are not the sole species in our ecosystem? We all may have a neighbor that we don’t like, but we still have to share a neighborhood with them.

I’ve been called a tree hugger for recycling, cutting my six pack rings, but the amount of garbage blowing around our city is deplorable. It’s not socially acceptable to throw your garbage in the middle of an interior space, so why is it acceptable to discard rubbish outdoors? Out of sight out of mind only goes so far...then everyone else has to tolerate the mess.

Not to point fingers by any means.

Sometimes it may be hard to fathom the depth of our impact on the Earth, but there are little things we can all do to make a difference and leave less of a carbon footprint. Check out the availability of public transportation, carpool, walk, ride your bike or skateboard. Not only does it result in less emissions it will also save your gas tank a few pennies--and the latter three are good for you.

If you want to make a day of it gather up your friends and family and pick up some garbage--make sure to remember your rubber gloves. You never know you might actually find something really cool or something really gross, but isn’t the unknown part of the thrill?

If you go shopping use a reusable bag at the supermarket, recycle your soda cans, plan a garden if you’re able, or maybe even spend the day outside..somewhere. Heck, why not hug a tree?

So what we are really trying to get at is...what are you doing for Earth Day?

Best of the Best

Last week, we launched our annual Best of the Best nominations. The High Plains Reader wants your input, help us compare apples to oranges. Establish the scene and be a part of it. Let us know the hot spots and people to watch. Have you submitted your nominations? Balloting ends on April 30, and then we get serious about voting.

The Voting session will be from May 5-May 15. The awards ceremony will take place the last weekend in May. Stay tuned don’t forget to press your party pants--and remember kids you can’t kvetch if you don’t vote.