Writing about Earth Month and Earth Day was difficult this year, partially because I’ve been finishing up my undergrad, but mostly because of the state of the world. As I get older, the more I am exposed to the terrors involved in our relationship with the Earth and its resources. How do we celebrate the Earth when those in power continue to destroy it and destroy the lives of innocent people? We see this happening in Iran, in Gaza, in the Congo, and in so many more places around the world whilst others continue to profit and overconsume. We see this in our domestic industries, which power our country’s economy but degrade our lands, waters, air, and the communities of local residents and Indigenous Peoples. We need resources, yes, we need economic growth, sure, but how can we go on like this? It is inhumane and unsustainable.
It felt silly writing about Earth Month/Day without reflecting on the pessimism which is so hard to avoid. It also feels silly that we institutionalize Earth Month/Day celebrations, when what we really need is to institutionalize planetary boundaries within our laws, our economies, and ourselves.
However, I am a staunch believer in renouncing apathy. It’s not always the easy decision, but in reality, what good is this life if you don’t use your privilege to fight for what is just? Personally, I would much rather be exposed to the bad stuff and seek out the good, than simply know nothing at all. That brings me to my main point – there is so much good to be found in nature, and in advocating for nature. There is beauty, there is knowledge, there is healing, there is connection with other species – plant, animal, and human. Like I spoke about in my first blog post (a year ago today!), researching and advocating for nature has given me purpose that I had been lacking my entire life. I truly believe that these are things everyone can find in the natural world, no matter your prior knowledge or educational background – all you need is curiosity.
And so, while there is so much to mourn in nature, there is also so much to celebrate.
Celebrating Earth Month/Day can remind us of our appreciation for nature. We can do this through community, reading, movies, and more. Below are some things I will be doing these coming weeks to reset and get back in touch with what I love.
Fun (free) events!
- Facing Change in Boreal Freshwater Ecosystems: Science, Indigenous Partnership, and Conservation Planning Webinar: April 22nd hosted by Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCS does a lot of great, free webinars about conservation – sign up for their emailing list here!!)
- Litter Clean Up with Don’t Mess with the Don: April 25th at Evergreen Brickworks
- EcoFair – Green Neighbours Network & Transition Toronto: April 26th at Evergreen Brickworks
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Spring Bird Festival: May 9th at Tommy Thompson Park
- Weekly stewardship in the Don Valley with Don’t Mess with the Don
Exploring local(ish) conservation areas (the Canada Strong Pass has made admissions to National Parks free all summer!!)
Reading!! I have written other posts about book recommendations, but my top two suggestions for Earth Month are Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger. My TBR list for this summer includes …
Abby Shin 
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