Earth Day…What does it mean?

I’ve been thinking a lot about Earth Day and what it means?  The news is full of stories of global warming, contamination, oil spills, deforestation, and the disappearance of birds, frogs, bees and other animals.  Politicians are not the answer.  Politicians favor corporate America.  Industrialized nations are poisoning our water, air and land.  To speak against this is heresy.  Fighting industrialization is to fight the American way for the past 200 years.  Fighting industrialization is “unAmerican” according to most people.  Well, I refuse to believe that.  John Muir refused to believe it.  And I know there are millions of Americans who also refuse to believe it.  So I think Earth Day is a message of hope.  It is a day to celebrate people like John Muir from our past and a day to celebrate people like Lynn Henning in our present.  Earth Day is also a call for action.  It is not enough stand on the sidelines and declare that you love nature.  It’s not enough to rely on politicians.  It is not enough to rant about it on Facebook.  This week I learned about how to become a water sentinel.  This week I learned that there are ways (other than monkey wrenching) to make a difference.  So by this time next year I may be carrying more than just a fly rod to my local lakes and streams.  I may be carrying a test kit.  Gas Companies….I’m keeping you in check.  Gravel companies….I’m keeping you in check.  Industrial farmers….I’m keeping you in check.  You have a year to think about that.  Clean up your act.  This message was approved by Carolina Wrens for Nature.