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Forty years ago, the very first Earth Day observation
across the country crystallized a growing public concern about
ecological crises. Earth Day was the product of local grassroots action
to increase environmental awareness but it also focused the nation’s
political agenda on urgent environmental issues. I don’t remember much
about the very first Earth Day as I was just a little kid. Perhaps in
my neck of the woods it wasn’t that big of a deal or perhaps I was just
too caught up in the activities of the average third grader to really
be aware. But two years later I was beginning to get it. Well sort of.
Then I knew it was wrong to be a litter bug, that I should give a hoot and don’t pollute and to not make Iron Eyes Cody cry. It was basic and simple but it was a start.

In
fifth grade I went to a brand new school with brand new open-space
education ideals and construction. That Earth Day in 1972, the entire
student body celebrated by planting seedlings on the surrounding
property of the school. There were lessons on the importance of trees
for us, our school, our environment and promises that thirty-forty
years later there would be a small forest surrounding our school, the
school that we began. All of this made most of us, some of us plant
those seedlings that we were given with extra special care. The tree
that I planted was making a difference in my world and my future. What
can I say, Mr. Berry’s lesson that day had an impact on me almost as
much as his Handy Dandy Starr Finder project. I don’t know today if my
seedling or any of the others took root and grew tall and strong, but I
do know that the seeds planted in my own conscience have taken firm
root and have indeed flourished.

Today
and every day I do make  conscious choices with our planet in mind. CFL
bulbs are in virtually every light fixture under the Big Top. We made
the investment to install solar screens on the windows of the Big Top
and have found even in the hottest of days in Manteca, we do use
considerably less energy to provide a cool oasis from the 100+ degree
summers here. With a little effort, I have made the use of re-usable
bags the rule rather than the exception with my circus act. Stashed in
the car is enough reusable bags for a regular
stock-the-pantry-and-freezer-so-the-indigent-tribe-doesn’t-starve
grocery run. Recycling our trash and yard waste is a habit. It is still
a small start but it is an important start that can only grow more in
the hearts of my family. After all, it is important for us all but most
of all it is important for the next generation, my children’s children.
May my grand children always enjoy, appreciate and care for the planet
we have tried to care for, clean up and preserve.

Originally posted on Adventures in Juggling,
my blog about my life here under my own personal Big Top where I juggle
a busy life with 5 kids at all ages and stages, an amazing grand-baby,
a husband, a career as a NICU RN.