April 22 is Earth Day, but what is it?
If Zea, a dog at the Ecology North offices, could speak, she might say humans should celebrate Earth Day every day.
April 10, 2018
Earth Day is a global event meant to enhance public awareness of ecological issues and rally people all over the planet to examine their own environmental footprint.
According to the Earth Day Network, 192 countries recognize April 22 as a day of political and civic action in support of the environment. Nigera, Nepal, Pakistan, Romania, Guatemala and many others have scheduled events to mark the 49th annual Earth Day.
The first Earth Day in 1970 saw an estimated 20 million people participate in peaceful demonstrations against everything from smog-spewing factories, to toxic pesticides, to the extinction of wildlife. All were pushing for environmental reform.
Ecology North began hosting Earth Day events in Yellowknife in 1999.
“We want to have one time of year where we can really get people thinking about the environment and what it means to them,” Craig Scott, executive director of Ecology North said Tuesday.
Ecology North is hosting a week's worth of free, family-friendly activities in celebration of the Earth from April 16 to 27, as well as events in Inuvik, Lutsel K'e and Fort Simpson.
The idea is to “do little things that have environmental meaning,” said Scott.
“Whether it's making your own soap, or fixing your bike up, or watching a movie about the environment, all these get people thinking about what they can do and how they can make some change themselves.”
Scott is most excited about the annual Ecology North Coffee House, happening on April 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Mildred Hall School.
The event includes a clothing swap, bake sale, silent and live auctions and live music.
Though Yellowknife's Earth Day has no specific theme, the Earth Day Network is taking this year's event to shine a spotlight on plastic pollution.
The Washington, D.C.-based group says about 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year for bottles, bags and packaging, but only about 10 per cent it gets recycled.
It's not hard to reduce one's plastic consumption.
“When you're shopping, think about what you're buying,” offered Scott.
For example, opt for produce that isn't wrapped in plastic.
Or, said Scott, leave packaging on purchased items at the store and “let them deal with it.” This small act sends the message that plastic packaging isn't necessary or appreciated.
Scott commended the city of Yellowknife for its efforts to become greener.
He cited the wood pellet heating systems the city is installing at five major facilities, including the Multiplex, Fieldhouse and Firehall.
But residents themselves can do more.
“Too many people in this city drive,” said Scott, noting that most commutes are relatively short.