INVEST IN OUR PLANET
A Green Midlands Is a Prosperous Midlands
by Kristi Antley
F
or the past 50 years, more than 1 billion people in 193 countries across the globe have come together on April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. This day is not a holiday or simply a movement, it is a day during which environmentally conscious people combine efforts to raise awareness of overpopulation, deforestation and pollution, as well as the depleting conditions of the climate and biodiversity. Earth Day efforts during the 1970s resulted in substantial environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Superfund law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The theme for Earth Day 2022 is “invest in our planet” to build a sustainable future. Environmental protection begins with YOU—your choices, your activities, your social actions, your personal attitude, and your use of resources. Each governing body, business, authority, family and individual has a voice. There is power in numbers; together we can make our voices HEARD and make a difference. Although we may not live to see the benefits, even a miniscule lifestyle change can make a huge, positive impact on the planet. As history has repeatedly proven, human civilization has consistently taken a toll on Mother Earth. We have continued to
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modify and alter the planet through urbanization and commercialization. These developments come at a price that we often fail to consider—scientists now believe that ecosystems untouched by human intervention no longer exist. Americans have become increasingly dependent on conveniences, such as manufactured plastic products; extravagant homes; coal and fossil fuels; chemical herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides; unlimited technology; and multiple modes of transportation. These seemingly harmless indulgences lead to increased carbon emissions (air pollution), natural disasters and extreme weather, disease, deforestation, climate change, carbon footprints, and degradation of the environment. It is time to begin adopting a green economy on all levels by creating a firm foundation for the future. The solution is to take action now—act in a bold way, innovate in a broad way, and expend resources conservatively and implement in an equitable manner. Intelligent and innovative companies are slowly turning “green” as they realize that they are a critical part of shaping the future. Governments are beginning to support and encourage efforts by institutions, businesses and societies to ensure opportunities for future generations. This includes education, conservation, recycling, shopping wisely, composting, carpooling, and reducing and reusing materials to help reduce waste. Join these community partners on the crusade to protect natural resources and promote awareness of the health of our environment:
CITY OF COLUMBIA:
City of Columbia begins ground-level ozone season testing (April through October). Ground-level ozone testing is important now because conditions are favorable to its formation. Also known as smog, ground-level ozone is formed when exhaust from cars, trucks, industries and electric utility plants react in sunlight and heat. Midlands area residents are encouraged to sign up for ozone forecasts at baaqmdsparetheair.enviroflash.info/ signup.cfm. For more information, call 803-545-2722 or visit ColumbiaSC.Gov.
