"Osage River" Photo by Jenn Ballard
Happy Mothers' Day to my mom and all the great moms out there!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Hippie Holidays
I like to tell people that I'm really just a hippie in disguise, but these days, the definition of this label leaves much room for interpretation. In days gone by, hippies were young people speaking out against war, racism, and other social issues with music, art, and yes, more than a few mind altering drugs. They weren't really the kind of people to like any labels come to think of it. Did I mention the sex? Moving on. In today's society the definition of "hippie" depends entirely on who's using it. People of all ages use the word in a positive fashion to describe themselves or others as being generally free spirited, artistic, and culturally sensitive. Others use it to describe those who are generally liberal (and frequently democrat) in a tit for tat of politico name calling. This more derogatory use primarily serves to prevent exhaustion of the phrases "left wing nut" or "tree hugger." After all, over use of these latter phrases might lead to mind-numbing monotony, and that would really be a shame. It is, however, the fact that this term has become synonymous with a certain level of environmental awareness that has caused me to dub two of my favorite demi-holidays as "hippie holidays."
Earth Day and Arbor Day have both come and gone in the last few weeks. They were surely celebrated by some and completely ignored by others, the latter being a real shame as environmental issues need our attention at this time more than any other in the history of mankind.
Earth Day was founded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to inspire environmental awareness and education...education being his key point. In its founding year, the event was organized as an environmental "teach-in" similar to those being held regarding the Vietnam War. His idea came when he witnessed the devastation left by a 1969 oil spill (a theme that should hit close to home for all of us right now!!!) Originally, it was only celebrated in the US, but in the 1990's, it officially went international. At present, it is celebrated around the world in various ways every April 22. The spirit of Earth Day is sustained year around, as well as considerable global planning, by the Earth Day Network. From their website, the Network appears to be an advocacy group with a multifaceted agenda, but I'll confess I don't know anything else about the nature of their work. They likely do wonderful things, but I always urge caution when aligning one's self with an NGO of unknown origin. Some have terrific sounding names and kooky agendas (cough*PETA*cough). I'm not at all trying to imply that this is the case here; it's just a disclaimer.
Arbor Day, on the other hand, has a much older history. Founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, the primary objective was to encourage pioneers to plant trees on the previously shadeless Nebraska landscape. Since that time, the holiday has taken on a new importance due to the mass clearing of trees globally and the deterioration of worldwide air quality. This holiday is celebrated in multiple countries around the world, but on different days because of the variability in appropriate planting seasons. In the US, the holiday is usually the last Friday of April. The Arbor Day Foundation was started in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the holiday. It's goal is to "encourage people to plant, celebrate, and nurture trees." Two of the big platforms listed on their website are urban tree planting and rain forest loss. The Foundation is one of the world's largest nonprofits and assists in the planting of over 10 million trees annually (with the assistance of numerous federal and state foresters). Since I know a little more about this organization, I feel comfortable openly giving my support. Check out http://www.arborday.org/ (and It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown for a real treat!)
Many of you will read this blog and say that our world has bigger problems than losing a few trees...hunger, disease, war, and perhaps you are right. However, I appeal to you with this thought: less than 1% of the water on planet earth is able to be cleaned and consumed. Our global society is currently using that water at an unsustainable rate. Many people have predicted that future wars will be fought over both food and water, and if you look at the agricultural industry in our western United States, you will realize that this war has already begun. Our planet is a closed ecosystem, and we cannot rely on technology to make for us what simply does not exist. We must conserve and protect that which is necessary for life. You may say our world has bigger problems. You may say that environmentalism is a luxury, but I ask you this: if not now, when?
With that in mind, I leave you with this one request: plant a tree, turn off a light, recycle a can, or simply mark your calendars for April 22, 2011 (Earth Day) and April 29, 2011 (Arbor Day). Anywhere is a good place to start!
Earth Day and Arbor Day have both come and gone in the last few weeks. They were surely celebrated by some and completely ignored by others, the latter being a real shame as environmental issues need our attention at this time more than any other in the history of mankind.
Earth Day was founded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to inspire environmental awareness and education...education being his key point. In its founding year, the event was organized as an environmental "teach-in" similar to those being held regarding the Vietnam War. His idea came when he witnessed the devastation left by a 1969 oil spill (a theme that should hit close to home for all of us right now!!!) Originally, it was only celebrated in the US, but in the 1990's, it officially went international. At present, it is celebrated around the world in various ways every April 22. The spirit of Earth Day is sustained year around, as well as considerable global planning, by the Earth Day Network. From their website, the Network appears to be an advocacy group with a multifaceted agenda, but I'll confess I don't know anything else about the nature of their work. They likely do wonderful things, but I always urge caution when aligning one's self with an NGO of unknown origin. Some have terrific sounding names and kooky agendas (cough*PETA*cough). I'm not at all trying to imply that this is the case here; it's just a disclaimer.
Arbor Day, on the other hand, has a much older history. Founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, the primary objective was to encourage pioneers to plant trees on the previously shadeless Nebraska landscape. Since that time, the holiday has taken on a new importance due to the mass clearing of trees globally and the deterioration of worldwide air quality. This holiday is celebrated in multiple countries around the world, but on different days because of the variability in appropriate planting seasons. In the US, the holiday is usually the last Friday of April. The Arbor Day Foundation was started in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the holiday. It's goal is to "encourage people to plant, celebrate, and nurture trees." Two of the big platforms listed on their website are urban tree planting and rain forest loss. The Foundation is one of the world's largest nonprofits and assists in the planting of over 10 million trees annually (with the assistance of numerous federal and state foresters). Since I know a little more about this organization, I feel comfortable openly giving my support. Check out http://www.arborday.org/ (and It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown for a real treat!)
Many of you will read this blog and say that our world has bigger problems than losing a few trees...hunger, disease, war, and perhaps you are right. However, I appeal to you with this thought: less than 1% of the water on planet earth is able to be cleaned and consumed. Our global society is currently using that water at an unsustainable rate. Many people have predicted that future wars will be fought over both food and water, and if you look at the agricultural industry in our western United States, you will realize that this war has already begun. Our planet is a closed ecosystem, and we cannot rely on technology to make for us what simply does not exist. We must conserve and protect that which is necessary for life. You may say our world has bigger problems. You may say that environmentalism is a luxury, but I ask you this: if not now, when?
With that in mind, I leave you with this one request: plant a tree, turn off a light, recycle a can, or simply mark your calendars for April 22, 2011 (Earth Day) and April 29, 2011 (Arbor Day). Anywhere is a good place to start!
"Wild Sweet William" Taken at Rock Bridge State Park
Photo by Jenn Ballard
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