Vote Earth!

Despite this blip of an #environmental reprieve due to #pandemic-related human social distancing, Mother Earth’s defenses are collapsing and her species—#wildlife and, eventually, man—are succumbing as well. April 22, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of #EarthDay, and now more than ever we must heed the call to change our ways and right the ship.

From EarthDay.org: “In the decades leading up to the first Earth Day, #Americans were consuming vast amounts of leaded gas through massive and #inefficientautomobiles. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of the consequences from either the law or bad press. #Airpollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. Until this point, mainstream America remained largely oblivious to #environmental concerns and how a polluted environment threatens #humanhealth.

“However, the stage was set for change with the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries as it raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health.

“Earth Day 1970 would come to provide a voice to this emerging environmental consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement to put environmental concerns on the front page.”

As our #planet faces #environmentalcrises as documented by the greatest scientific minds, I hope you will join me and others on April 18-19 to become an #environmentalsteward and work toward leaving a positive legacy for the generations who’ll inherit what we leave behind. On this weekend—to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day— we’ll be launching a healthy, fun and virtual event, which will be registered at EarthDay.org. This three-pronged effort includes:

· Walking a distance of your choice, enjoying the outdoors and appreciating nature.

· Picking up any trash in the community along your route and properly disposing of it.

· Making a donation to an environmental and/or #wildlifeprotection organization of your choice. Just some examples of organizations doing great things include #SierraClub, #CenterForBiologicalDiversity, #NaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil, #EnvironmentalDefenseActionFund, #Earthworks, #Earthjustice, #MarineMammalCenter, #AnimalWelfareInstitute and #HumaneSocietyInternational.

My fellow #HumaneSocietyOfTheUnitedStates – Arizona State Council colleague will join me in walking 25 miles for a total of 50 to commemorate the Earth Day anniversary, collecting trash along our route. But whether you participate over one mile or one block—alone or with a human or canine companion—you’ll make a difference and inspire others along the way. The first Earth Day launched on April 22, 1970. On this 50th anniversary—during a #pandemic emanating from animal “#wetmarkets,” a global wildlife trade that causes the suffering of millions of animals while endangering people across the world, and a crying planet whose defenses are encroaching upon tipping points—please consider being a leader for #MotherEarth and make the environment an important consideration when you vote in your municipal, state and federal elections. (Written by Don Scott as a published op-ed)