Earth Day by the numbers
Today is Earth Day — when people across the globe check in with this great blue ball we call home, take its metaphoric temperature, and remind ourselves what we can do to increase its health and longevity (and consequently, our own).
Considering stats from the U.S. Census Bureau, EarthDay.org, and the Environmental Protection Agency, we could do better.
Auto emissions. Average one-way commute to work in 2019: 28 minutes (New York and Maryland average the longest — 34 minutes; the Dakotas average the shortest, 18 minutes — like Hayden to downtown Coeur d’Alene at 8 a.m.).
In 2019 fewer than 1 percent of Americans rode a bike to work, and 3 percent walked.
Energy use. Of 122.8 million households in 2019, about half were heated by gas. Less than 2 percent used wood to heat, and less than 1 percent used solar energy.
Trash has nearly doubled. Today’s average American generates about 4.5 pounds of trash per day, compared to 2.68 pounds in 1960. In 2018, 292.4 million tons of waste were generated in the U.S. About 69 million tons were recycled and 25 million tons were composted.
OK, so we could install more solar panels, waste less and choose recyclables, walk and bike more (which is good for the body, too). What else can one person do?
Connect.
Earth Day is smack in the middle of National Park Week. That’s no accident; the National Park Service’s information campaign #ConnectedConservation and #RecreateResponsibly reminds us how renewing, pleasurable, and soul-strengthening is just being in the great outdoors.
For National Earth Month the NPS produced a calendar of actions to take each day of April (see infographic here or NPS.gov/connectedconservation). Examples include:
- Add a native tree or plant to your yard or balcony to help create migration corridors.
- Explore the plethora of beautiful city, state and national parks in our area. And if you encounter an archaeological artifact (arrowheads, shards, etc.) please leave it there; they belong to indigenous peoples. Enjoy but respect wildlife and keep a safe distance (75 feet from deer or elk and 150 feet from bears).
- Swap a disposable water bottle for a refillable one, fill at home and use filling stations in parks.
- Reduce light pollution by turning off or reducing exterior lights, then stargaze.
- Don’t litter, limit single-use plastics, and recycle. Recycled products use 55-95 percent less energy than those made from non-recycled materials.
Finally, use nature’s Rx to destress and connect: Spend as much time in nature as possible, even if it’s just walking around the neighborhood park, to improve physical and mental well-being. It feels great, and reminds us how much we need to keep it.
“Keep close to nature’s heart and break clear away once in a while, climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods.
“Wash your spirit clean.” – John Muir
Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email Sholeh@cdapress.com.