OFJCC Garden Pedagogista Debbie Togliatti ponders the impact of small actions in the big scheme of things.
It’s the eve of Earth Day, and I’m wondering how people will choose to honor the one day out of the year when we devote ourselves to thinking about our planet and/or taking action with the goal of making the earth a better place.
Perhaps some of us will go to a beach and pick up litter. Maybe you’ll get all new energy efficient appliances or commit to stop buying plastic water bottles.
When considering the state of the earth, from global warming to polluted air and water, it seems daunting that whatever we do may have little or no effect. Yet, doing nothing seems a greater offense.
When contemplating Earth Day, think simple and small. Whether you live on an acre or in an apartment, here are two places to get started.
Water. The drought may be over but water conservation is still critical. Make sure the garden hoses have spray end nozzles attached. If you haven’t converted to drip irrigation, for heaven’s sake (or earth’s sake!), please do so.
Bees. Yes, bees. Worldwide, bees are in trouble and we need to do all we can to help them. Add plants that will attract them to your yard, deck or balcony such as basil, lavender and rosemary.
Sometimes it seems silly that only one day is designated for the care of our earth. To me, these efforts require year-round love and attention. But perhaps the Mishnah sage Rabbi Tarfon had Earth Day in mind when he wrote these words:
“We are not obligated to complete the task, neither are we free to abstain from it.”
Happy Earth Day.
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