JACKSON, Wyo. — April 22, 1970, was the birth of the modern environmental movement, Earth Day. The globe has been recognizing man’s relationship with the planet for 50 years, but how is COVID-19 impacting this annual event?
Tisa Djahangiri, Civic Engagement Coordinator at the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, says they are offering an “Advocacy at a Distance” guide on their website.
“The main point of advice we have is that, for now, public meetings are still happening and it is important for the public to continue to be engaged on local conservation issues as decisions are being made,” Djahangiri explained. “Folks can still give public comments via email and over the web. Our guide helps people learn how to do that effectively.”
Other organizations are sticking to more traditional ways of celebrating Earth Day, with a little extra caution.
Fine Dining Restaraunt Group (FDRG) has a crew of employees who are volunteering to pick up trash around Gregory Lane later this afternoon. “We will, of course, be wearing protective equipment and keeping distance from each other while we work to clean up the neighborhood,” mentioned Kendra Alessandro, Director of Communications for FDRG.
Other, more global, organizations are also encouraging advocacy in a way that is compliant with quarantine protocol. Patagonia, an outdoor clothing retailer, has created an online “Digital Strike for Climate Action.” This will last three days and include musical performances, organizing tips, teach-ins, and more.
You can still honor Earth Day locally by remembering to make green decisions. The recycling center in Jackson is still open for recycling, folks can pick up energy-efficient lightbulbs from Energy Conservation Works, and there are some places where compost can be recycled like Harderlie Farms in Afton.
To look more into green actions the community is taking, see how local organizations making a difference.
