Acts of Green

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Many of us may haven't noticed, but yesterday the world celebrated the 45 th Earth Day, the single biggest environmental celebration participated in by more than 150 countries and over a billion people. This year's theme is “It's Our Turn to Lead”, with the goal of promoting environmental awareness, developing sustainable initiatives and galvanizing every human to pledge to Acts of Green.

Earth Day Network's A Billion Acts of Green is an environmental service campaign that is steadily building commitments by individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to protect the planet. Simple acts like pledging to reduce energy consumption, stop using disposable plastic, buying local produce, or protecting our clean air; when multiplied by millions or even billions, can make a huge difference in protecting the only planet we have. Those of us who want to make a difference can make a commitment and take action, not only during Earth Day, but every day.

Individuals and families can reduce wasteful energy consumption and consumer habits, consciously recycle and compost. Businesses and organizations can support initiatives to help the environment by supporting green policies and programs such as efforts to reduce carbon footprints. Governments can take a more active role in improving air quality and reducing air pollution as well as offering incentives for the use and development of alternative sources of energy. Our Mother Earth would also appreciate it if those in charge could enforce the policies and regulations that protect watersheds, rainforests and coral reefs with more commitment and determination instead of the usual lip service.

Our planet is changing. Extreme weather events are becoming the norm and basic natural resources such as clean air and water are running out, especially in urban areas or in places where the priorities of those in government and even in the private sector are misplaced. Celebrations like Earth Day remind us of our duties and responsibilities towards our planet and the succeeding generations of humans.

There are now more than 7 billion people in this planet and that number is continually growing. Our planet has enough resources for everybody and the succeeding generations if we can all pitch in and use our resources wisely. But that will require a conscious effort from everyone and Earth Day is just 1 day out of 365.

Let's make every day Earth Day. If we can't do it for ourselves, let's do it for our children and grandchildren.*