Lucy Dathan

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. I am sure you have seen photos of clear skylines worldwide, in notoriously smoggy areas such as in China, India, Los Angeles and Italy. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in air quality all over the world.

The effect of the lockdowns have reduced emissions with closures of polluting factories and reduced air and road travel. My question today is how do we make these changes permanent without changes to our economy? I believe that as a country we need to get back to the Paris Climate Agreement and set national standards to lower green house gases. But in the interim, there are things we can do in our own neighborhoods to help battle the effects of Climate Change.

Even though we can’t celebrate Earth Day in the way that we may have in the past, we can still honor the Earth and what she does for us. This year’s theme is focusing on actions we can take to tackle the challenges of climate change, which represents the biggest threat to the future of humanity and the systems that make our planet habitable.

Here are a couple of ways you can still practice #SocialDistancing while advocating for the environment and celebrate Earth Day. Enjoy your day!

• Read the Norwalk River Association's newsletter here. They go over:
  • How the Coronavirus Reminds Us to Be Good River Stewards
  • Update on NRWA & Pollinator Pathway Event Postponements
  • Protect Our Watershed From PFAS, the Forever Chemicals
  • Pollinator Pathway Update: The Ecotype Project, Not Just Native... Local!
  • NRWA Chosen to Help Launch TerraCorps in CT
  • Take Action: Update on Pending Legislation That Protects Clean Water
• Join the CT Climate Strike Online. Click here to learn more and how to participate.
• Tune into Earth Day online for a variety of teach-ins, ways to take action, and more. Click here to watch and for a schedule of digital events.
• Although COVID-19 may have canceled any group environmental cleanups, you can still clean up your local land and waterways while social distancing. Pick up waste while you're on your daily walk or jog. You can log your individual cleanup here.
• National Geographic is encouraging kids to learn more about animals through its Earth Day Neighborhood Safari. Kids will start their own safaris by creating artwork featuring their favorite animals. Learn more here.
• Swap out one meal a week for a plant-based one. Did you know that it takes 1,800 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef? Animal agriculture is one of the largest contributors to climate change and shifting to a plant-based diet can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the strain on natural resources. Click here for some recipe ideas.
• Individual choices can only go so far, so it's critical for you to reach out to your local, state and federal leaders to urge them to support policies and initiatives that promote the greater health of people and the planet.
  • Find your state senator here. And email me any of your environmental concerns!
  • Find out how to contact your U.S. Congressperson here.
  • Contact your U.S. Senator here.
• Screening of The Story of Plastic: The Story of Plastic looks at the plastic pollution crisis and the worldwide effect it has on the health of people and the planet. The film features interviews with experts and activists engaged with the entire lifecycle of plastic. Tune in for the global premiere at 2:00 PM (EDT and PDT) on Discovery Channel.
• Screening of PBS' Here’s The Story: The Green Amendment: state Green Amendments provide constitutional power to ensure environmental protection. In this special one-day screening, learn more about the Green Amendment movement. The movie can be viewed online between (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM EDT).