1 minute read
Earth Day
Whatever That May Mean To You
Staff Member: Analise Mullen
Advertisement
Position: Staff Writer
Look up from the newspaper and out the window. Perhaps you’re seeing the sky, the trees, the grass, or buildings, cars, people. Oftentimes when we think about earth, or nature, images of forests or mountains come to mind. It’s easy to forget about everything else. The steel buildings, the concrete, engines, iphones, books, planes. All of it is earth. Earth has provided us with all the materials necessary for the life we lead today. Concerns for the state of our planet are on a high rise.
The most recent example is the Willow Project. In which Alaska is being used for oil drilling, at great risk to the environment and habitat at hand. Issues like this have been causing uproar, particularly among the young population and this does exclude SHS. With Earth Day around the corner on April 22, it is safe to say that these issues have been on people’s minds. The recent addition of Earth club in our school perfectly exemplifies this shift towards change. Earth club has set up an aluminum recycling system at SHS to help decrease the amount of waste being produced from Sandpoint. Earth club ran a protest against the Willow project recently. Junior Noah Spinney comments, “I want people to understand that we only have one earth and we must take care of it.”
This holiday is focused on bringing attention and awareness to issues such as rising water levels and lack of biodiversity. Educating oneself on these concerns is a large part of celebrating this day but it is not the only part.
Aside from taking political action for the bettering of the environment, many people celebrate earth day in simple appreciative ways. It’s easy to get caught up in day to day business and Earth day can act as a simple reminder to slow down and take a moment to appreciate your surroundings. Mckenna Hunter says, “I just spend Earth Day outdoors, typically hiking, camping, or on the water.” Regardless of our views and differences, we are united by our residence on Earth. So take a moment April 22, and celebrate. in whatever way you see fit.
