Have you ever stopped and thought about the fact that everything you use comes from the Earth? 

This Earth Day will be unlike any other since its inception in 1970. Rallies and marches will take place around the world to drawn attention to the need for “evidence-based policy making and inclusivity in the science community.” Started as a conversation on the social media site Reddit, March for Science will bring together scientists, lovers of science, and sympathizers from around the world to raise awareness about the need for science to be taken as it is: a tool that uses objective means to study issues and find solutions to today’s problems, climate change being one of them. A statement from their website, www.marchforscience.com, explains their cause, “The application of science to policy is not a partisan issue. Anti-science agendas and policies have been advanced by politicians on both sides of the aisle, and they harm everyone — without exception. Science should neither serve special interests nor be rejected based on personal convictions. At its core, science is a tool for seeking answers. It can and should influence policy and guide our long-term decision-making.” 

The concern behind the need for science to be recognized goes hand in hand with the Earth Day website www.earthday.org that works to educate people on the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Enough evidence has been shown that climate change is not a myth. With the increase in erratic weather patterns, environmentalists are stepping up more than ever to create awareness and conduct “teach-ins” at various gatherings. The website www.earthday.org provides various ways we can slow down our carbon imprint on the planet. Suggestions include taking part in a tree planting program (or donating to one), stopping use of disposable plastic (quite an easy one nowadays!), eating less meat (or go vegetarian or vegan altogether), learning how to reduce your carbon imprint by taking the Ecological Footprint Quiz (the quiz provides an interesting look at how much more we can do to lower our carbon imprint), and taking part in the Billion Acts of Green. 

So often we don’t want to face the truth. We would rather have someone else fight for that which we care about. However, we have come to a point where more voices are needed to speak up for clean water, clean air, and a greener earth. Climate change will impact all of us, so it is up to each of us to do our part!