Earth day 2025: How small actions can make a big impact
By Hazel Ndebele
Earth day was first observed in 1970, on the 22nd of April. Now, what is this day all about? Imagine a world where a bunch of people are just living, exploiting resources as much as they can, and doing nothing at all to replenish. The earth would perish! Earth day was set to raise awareness on the issue of sustainability and ecological preservation. It is being commemorated in the world as a day to educate the masses on the importance of sustainable development and environmental protection.
Earth day was first observed in 1970, on the 22nd of April. Now, what is this day all about? Imagine a world where a bunch of people are just living, exploiting resources as much as they can, and doing nothing at all to replenish. The earth would perish! Earth day was set to raise awareness on the issue of sustainability and ecological preservation. It is being commemorated in the world as a day to educate the masses on the importance of sustainable development and environmental protection.
Think about going out there to save 'Earth' . What a big and scary concept, because where would one even begin. Good thing, no one actually has to go out there and magically save the earth, it is the small day to day actions. How you choose to dispose waste in a designated site instead of in a water body, and how you choose to use biodegradable material where possible, instead of plastic; the list is endless. Let us explore some ways in which we can make small actions that count.
Be eager to learn
You cannot love and protect what you do not know. The world has endless knowledge, make it a point to know something about the earth, the planet that you live in. Learn about current ecological issues, threats to sustainability and any statistics, current and projected, that will help in promoting sustainability.
It begins with you
If you are going to do something hazardous to the environment, or neglect an action that helps in environmental protection, just because everyone else is doing the same then there is a problem. Choose to do something, or be the first to do something different.
Protect the environment at all cost!
Some of the acts that lead to destruction include air pollution, deforestation, dumping of hazardous waste in water bodies, the list goes on. Instead of throwing plastic into water bodies, think recycling, and even make a few coins while at it!
Think about the future
Before causing damage, think about other generations to come. Think about the adverse effects such as climate change and extinction of some species of marine life. The current generation may not experience the effects, but our children to come definitely will.
It is very important to ensure that Earth day is known and commemorated. Different organizations need to come up with ways to create awareness, because every little effort counts. People can cultivate a culture whereby they take part in activities such as clean up campaigns, instead of feeling like there are people who are more responsible for them than others.
Earth day should not be a date, but a lifestyle. So as we celebrate this earth day, let us remember that the small efforts to nurture, preserve, reuse and recycle have a very great impact. Let us change our mindsets for the better.
