Every year when the month of April creeps up you can expect to see many local organizations start talking about Earth Day. It’s one of those holidays that was born from the foundation of a political movement, so it’s not as widely celebrated or mainstream as holidays like, Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Earth day is always on April 22nd and its first year ever officially documented was in 1970. As outlined in the history section of the official holidays website, Earhday.org, the day was created as a way to educate college students on many environmental impacts that were a consequence of oil spills and industrial developments.
Although this holiday started in the United States as a political movement to raise awareness of the need to conserve our resources and eventually push legislation, the movement quickly garnered international attention. According to Dogonews, Earth Day 2023 should expect to have over a billion people celebrate or participate in some aspect of the holiday. It’s safe to say that at an international level, people can recognize that humans have done a great job of over producing, or over polluting. Our human footprint is more sealed into mother earth more now than ever before.
Although the tone of Earth Day has shifted in the most recent years, where you now see political activist push policies through rhetoric intertwined with racism and justice, at large environmental conservation is a topic that is generally accepted across all political spectrums. After all, we all live on mother earth and It’s hard to find Americans (or anyone) that don’t like living in clean cities or enjoying natural spaces- like National Parks. However, from a biblical perspective, we can’t go as far as to say that Earth Day type celebrations or movements, will “save the planet.” We can’t expect our stewardship to save the planet, but we do know that God would want us to take care of the creation he gifted us.
How Would Jesus Celebrate Earth Day? (WWJD)
I don’t necessarily think Jesus would be “celebrating” earth day, but as we interact with society and live modern-day-lives the idea of What would Jesus Do (WWJD), is a way that many Christians build a frame on ways to live out their walk with God. So, although we don’t place our hope on Earth Day, to reach our salvation or to protect our species from going instinct, we can certainly take on the spirit of Noah. Here are some ideas on how you might celebrate or observe Earth Day, aka Gods astonishing creation.
1. Meditate in nature
In the Gospels, one of the most frequent things that Jesus did was isolate himself from his followers and spend time with God alone in the wilderness. He would hike up Mountains, or find a place in the desert, where he would find silence. Through his disconnection of society, he was able to strengthen his relationship with God and take care of his spiritual life. A lot of times that is what we need in our walk with God too.
You might find yourself working long hours during the week, or being busy with family duties, but it’s important to take care and find balance in our lives. One of the best places to do this is in nature. Of course, it doesn’t have to be some remote place (although that’s what I would recommend), a local park or garden, can be the perfect place to sit, and just observe and take in all the beauty that God created for us to enjoy.
2. Participate in a clean-up!
Whether you live in a big city with lots of trash everywhere, or in a rural community with less population, there is always going to be some kind of human trace somewhere. There are hundreds, if not thousands of non-profits that get together on Earth Day and facilitate local clean ups. You can participate in one of their hosted events, you can plan your own, or you can even do it by yourself. Whether you choose the first or the ladder, clean ups are the perfect way to leave our earth cleaner than how we left it. Cleanups are a hands-on way of also protecting the habitat of many wildlife like Birds, Deer, and squirrels. Would you want your home to be infested with trash everywhere?
The official Earth Day organization has a website where you can find a local clean-up in your area or register a new one. Check it out here:
3. Donate to your favorite organization
One of the things that God calls us to do, is to be a cheerful giver through our resources. Money is not the answer to everything, but it’s such a huge driver with how our society works. A little financial support can go a long way in helping to conserve National Park or wild animals like whales. We suggest that you think about what aspect of nature you are most drawn to, and you pick an organization that is focused on taking care of them.
There are many organizations that help protect or rehabilitate wildlife that has been affected by the footprint of humans. Most of these organizations are non-profits that also provide transparency about where your donation is put into action. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) works to protect and study the movement of whales so that we can best interact with them. After each year of work they also provide financial and impact reports that you can be sure that there is good works being done on your behalf.
4. Shop at Your Local Farmers Market
Regular grocery stores and big box companies are one of the leaders in generating waste and over production of products. This Earth Day celebrate by supporting your local farmer and purchasing the local foods that you don’t always get around to trying. This not only helps support slow food production and the environment, it’s also an opportunity to interact with your community and contribute to the local economy.
Many times, in the bible God calls us to love our neighbor. You might not be literally next to a farm, but you most likely have a farmer that represents your general area. With a quick google search, you should be able to find a local farmers market or a local farm. There is also something special about shopping directly from the person that grew and harvested your food. While you’re there don’t forget to shop with your reusable bags!
5. Plant a Garden
Earth day is the perfect day to initiate your yard work and landscaping for the warmer season. Take a trip to the hardware or garden store and pick up some sprouts for your summer garden. This is not only a great way to adorn your yard and make it look beautiful, gardens and plants generate more oxygen and help attract pollinators which produce more life. The best part about gardening is that you don’t even have to have a yard to plant some greens. A jar or old plastic containers are enough to lively up your space indoors or at your doorstep.
You can plant some of your frequently used herbs, flowers, or something as big as a tree. Either way, it’s very likely that your greens can outlast the season and they’ll flutter up again in the years to come. Many times, in the bible God references people that produce with the land and make use out of the resources in the landscape. God wants us to be good land managers!
She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16
Do you usually celebrate or observe Earth Day?
We’d would love to hear your thoughts on this holiday and what ways you usually celebrate this day if you do. Feel free to leave us a comment down below!
