Why isn’t every day earth Day?

April 22 is a day picked to celebrate the planet we live on. They could have picked any date. But, this one seemed to work for the purposes of the organizers. And, it was a noble effort lead by (believe it or not) members of our own government from both sides of the aisle. People have been aware of human impact on the environment for some time. In 1969, a huge oil spill in Santa Barbara caught the attention of democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson. He worked with conservative senator Pete McCloski to begin an education blitz across the country. The goal: educate students about the environment. They picked April as a good time to do this since students were back from spring break, but not steeped in studying for finals. The first earth day was celebrated in 1970. But, Why isn’t every day earth Day?

We have slid a long way from the urgency of that day. And, it should be alarming. Richard Nixon was President at the time. Ronald Reagan was governor of California. Yet, both democrats and republicans agreed that we need to do something about the environment. Today, it is a divisive talking point. Liberals call for shrinking our impact on the environment. Conservatives complain that doing so will destroy lucrative industries and impact millions of workers across the world. Guess what. Both sides are right. So, instead of fighting and deriding the other side, why can’t we work together to create smart transitions to a greener economy?

Why isn’t every day earth Day? It will take time.

Climate change deniers will point out (with some validity) that the earth has cycles. Temperatures fluctuate naturally. And, natural occurrences like volcanoes can have more profound impacts on the environment than humans. They will also point out the impracticality of changing to a greener economy. Although, that is usually based on immediate changes to the economy and life as we know it. It’s logistically challenging to transition from a fossil fuel economy. For instance, I would love to go to an all electric car powered by wind or solar. But, it wouldn’t work for all applications. I drive over 600 miles in a day to visit Canada. The trip takes about 10 to 12 hours. If I have to stop to recharge, that one day trip becomes 2.

And, that’s nothing compared to our already hurting supply chain. Long haul truckers bring goods from port to stores. They also drive an average of 500 miles per day. Right now, your maximum range on an electric vehicle is about 500 miles. But, most are in the 300 mile range. And, they are extremely expensive. How can we get trucks up to that range? Then there are the planes, trains, and boats that transport goods as well. The logistics of transitioning to a green economy are staggering. But, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

Earth day is our moon shot

JFK famously said:

“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”

The view that we can’t transition to a greener economy is as pessimistic as you can get. Yes, there will be hardship. Yes, there are people who will suffer economically, just like the whaling industry suffered when oil transplanted it. Technology and alternative fuel sources have been hallmarks of progress for millennia. There will be displaced workers. Entire regions, towns, and industries will be affected. Does that mean we shouldn’t make change? Isn’t it better to have more choices? I remember a time when your gasoline choices were regular and unleaded. There was no regular, super, and ultra. And, even that transition to unleaded was viewed as a hardship on some. But, we made the transition to unleaded. It affected oil companies, car manufacturers, consumers, and more. But, it was for the good of the planet. And, we got through it.

History is full of transitions

This shouldn’t be a political thing. As Kennedy said, we do these things “not because they are easy, but because they are hard“. It’s been said repeatedly, where there is a will, there is a way. We may never do away with fossil fuels completely. But, wouldn’t it be nice to have more choices when it comes to energy sources? Recently, wind power surpassed coal and nuclear as the largest source of energy. While that’s not good news for the coal industry. It is good news for the rest of us. And, the coal industry has been in decline for decades. Coal companies, workers, and townships involved in mining have been affected by the decline. But, that’s where alternative and progressive planning needs to come into place.

Coal mining is a dirty, dangerous job. The health problems related to mining are a problem themselves. And, there are people whose lives, family, and community revolved around coal for generations. But, let’s not forget, coal mining was part of the transition that displaced whalers and lumber workers who provided fuel prior to the industrial revolution. So, it’s time to adapt and re-train people. Again, it isn’t easy. But, important things rarely are. In our modern economy of choices, coal is declining; not due to malice against workers, their families, or business, but because there are better alternatives. If you had a choice between a car and a bike to go 300 miles, which would you want? (No. not you, guy who says “great workout”. The rest of us living in the real world with limited time).

A Brave new world isn’t like the book.

No. Not Aldous Huxley’s Dystopian version of the future. The world doesn’t revolve around one community. And, we aren’t talking about genetic modification. As we progress as a society, we learn to work smarter, not harder. This is what our “brave new world” is really about. The invention of the wheel took us from survivalists to thinkers. The renaissance taught us to dream and prosper. The Industrial revolution brought us mass production and efficiency. The internet brought us instantaneous communication, information, and commerce. Now, we have an opportunity to explore another new world: changing the way we consume.

Thanks to the internet, we have inflated our consumerism. Similar to what happened with TV, instead of being an educational tool, the internet has become an advertising mecca. Only, now it is directly targeted to you, personally. The result: we buy more stuff we really don’t need because FOMO. Now, we need more storage for all the things we didn’t really need. Then we need Marie Kondo to tell us to throw it all out because we no longer love it. This creates a bigger landfill and amassing of “stuff”. Here’s an idea for a brave new world: disconnect. 50 years ago, computers were giant bays of machines crunching numbers for NASA to send rockets into space. Today, everybody has even more computer power in their pocket, plus laptops and tablets. They all use energy. And, they all contribute to us getting more “stuff”.

If you meet with a financial advisor, they’ll tell you exactly how to save the world. Whenever you want to buy something, ask this question: “do I really need this?” Chances are, you don’t.

Why isn’t every day earth Day? Try a change in mindset.

So, that is the first step toward a “Brave New World”. Think before you consume. And, demand better, more environmentally sustainable products and energy. We spoke earlier about where there is a will. Corporations aren’t going to change the way they do things as long as they are making a buck. So, if we stop buying coal, oil, and junk, they will adapt to something we really need. Going back to our coal miners, They have a legitimate concern that their way of life will change. Yes, it will. But, if the coal mining companies plan the transition properly, they can come up with a new product, and they can transition to a new economy.

Again, your financial advisor tells you to diversify your portfolio. The same applies to workers and industries. If you remember “etch a sketch” from when you were a kid, you know, it’s not really a thing anymore. If that was the only product the company made, they would be out of business now (they have indeed been taken over by a multinational conglomerate). To maintain business, the parent company also makes Paw Patrol products and Rubik’s cubes. The point is: diversify. Don’t rely on one product or income stream. And, don’t bitch that nobody wants a slinky anymore when they have video games. You may as well sell “ball in a cup.”

As for workers, develop skills that can transfer to other industries. If you are a coal miner, you have good hand to eye coordination, strength, and stamina. Plus, you are good with earth. You could go into landscaping, construction, or a dozen other fields. And, you wouldn’t be taking your life in your hand everyday.

Government intervention

Practically speaking, companies aren’t going to make a transition on their own. They’ll keep selling the same old defective crap as long as they can push it on people. And, they will resist attempts to change their business model or spend a penny on new technology if it doesn’t directly increase their bottom line. And, forget helping their workers. When business dries up in a certain market, they pack up and leave town or they outsource the work for cheaper labor and lower taxes. That is why we need government oversight. But, it has to be consistent and universally applied.

People are skeptical and easily scared into believing the government is corrupt and disinterested in their needs. And, rightfully so. The same companies who need regulation buy politicians from all parties. So, that’s why people should demand the end of lobbying. Government is supposed to be “of the people, for the people, and by the people”, not for the corporate interest. If politicians weren’t allowed to take money from PAC’s and Corporations weren’t allowed undo influence, all that money could go toward research and development to adjust to ever changing economies. And, instead of corporate welfare, the government could direct aid to transitioning communities and workers to new work and infrastructure.

Globally/locally

Obviously, if we can transition to a greener economy, there are environmental and economic benefits. But, that will take some time and some unprecedented cooperation. In the meantime, consumers and individuals can make a contribution. I am reminded of the starfish story. A kid walks down a beach to find a thousand starfish washed up on shore. He begins picking them up and putting them back in the water. A man comes upon the scene and says, “why are you wasting your time? You’ll never be able to get them all. What difference does it make? The kid says, “it makes a difference to this one.”

And, that is the outlook we need in everything we do. Will we be able to make a global change? If enough people have the kid’s attitude: yes, we can. Will we be able to solve all the world problems? Probably not. But, we do what we can. And, if enough people contribute to making the world a better place, we can benefit a lot. And, what harm does it do to help on a local level? so, when people ask why should we go green if China isn’t, remember the starfish. maybe we won’t stop all climate change, but we can make a difference at home. And, when the beachfront mansions in Sanya, China get flooded, maybe the Chinese will follow suit.

Why isn’t every day earth Day? What can we do as individuals?

Earth day is about more than climate change. Although, it is the most dramatic example of why the Earth needs stewarding. But, there are other aspects of stewardship as well. Just look around your neighborhood. Could it benefit from more green space? Trees and parks add beauty, value, and a connection to nature that is missing in many areas of the world. Even plants around your living space add life and color. You shouldn’t have to burn fuel to go to a remote forest in order to connect with the natural world.

Everyone Loves a list

So, here is a short list of things to do to connect with the Earth and make yourself feel better, as well as making the world a better place to live:

1. Grow some plants: They add beauty, clean the air, and add color and life to any space.
2. Grow some of your own food: At a minimum have a couple herb plants. If you have the space and a green enough thumb, grow some vegetables and fruits as well.
3. Assess your local environmental impact: If there is runoff from your property, where is it going to? Is it contributing to or harming local ecosystems? And, are there chemicals in your area finding their way into natural environments?
4. Turn off lights, devices, and appliances when not in use. It will help the environment and save you money.
5. Lower your thermostat in winter and keep it higher in summer. Again, save energy and money.
6. Before buying things ask: Do I really need this? You’ll save money, space, and help the environment. In other words: Curb your consumerism.
7. Eat more efficiently: Try not to over-buy. Some studies suggest that over 100 Billion pounds of food is wasted every year. Cook closer to what you need, portion effectively, and utilize leftovers. We’re all guilty of this (me too). But, make a conscious effort.
8. Eat more organic, sustainable, and consciously bought food with an emphasis on plant based items. Minimal processing is best. So, focus on whole fruits, vegetables, and cut back on animal products. Your body, wallet, and the environment will thank you.

Why isn’t every day earth Day? Here are some recipe ideas to help with that:

These are plant based recipes that anyone can enjoy. You don’t have to feel like a tree hugger to eat well without meat. On the Risotto, saffron is expensive and labor intensive to harvest. So, you can substitute turmeric if desired. Or, you can omit it completely. We added it in to give the dish an international flare. Between that and the chic peas, you get a different take. Plus, the Chic peas add protein and texture.

The melon soup is a nice refreshing way to celebrate the return of spring. This will go well for months to come. And, you can add some liquor to make a great cocktail.

If you want more ideas, check out some of our previous posts like last year’s Earth day, here. Or, there are a number of plant based ideas here.

You don’t have to go to an entirely plant based diet. But, a decrease in eating animal products will send a message to the heads of industry that their model isn’t working. The proliferation of meat substitutes is testament to the impact on the meat industry. If it wasn’t selling they wouldn’t be making it. So, it is possible to transition to a greener existence over time. Even a slight change can have an impact. So, don’t just right it off as impossible. The impossible burger says otherwise. Just be careful when they start selling you Soylent green. Oh crap, they are…

Vegan Saffron Risotto

cheffd

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

soaking beans 8 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Indian, Mediterranean

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 Cup Chopped Fresh Shallots
• 2 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Garlic
• 1/2 Cup Dry Chic Peas
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Sweet Onion
• 1 each Bay Leaf
• 1/2 tsp Saffron
• 1 Cup Zucchini cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/2 Cup Diced Fresh tomato
• 1 Cup White Wine
• 2 Cups Arborio or carnaroli rice
• 4 to 5 Cup Vegetable Broth
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1/4 Cup vegan Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh herbs: Thyme, parsley, cilantro,scallion mixed
• 1 Bunch Fresh Asparagus, cut in 1/2 inch lengths

Instructions

 

• Soak the chic peas in water for at least 4 hours, preferably all day or overnight. They should at least double in volume. Drain well before cooking.
• Heat a little olive oil in a heavy pot over medium high heat. Add in the onion and 1/2 the garlic. Stir and cook until translucent. Add the bay leaf and cumin. Then stir in the chic peas. Cover with double the amount of water to beans. Bring to a boil, then taper back to a simmer. Cook until they are soft (about 20 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. You can do this ahead of time or while you are preparing the risotto.
• Simmer the vegetable stock in another pot
• Heat a large wide pan or pot with high sides with a generous coating of olive oil over medium high heat. Stir in the shallot and garlic. Cook until translucent. Add in the saffron, turn the heat down to medium and stir until the color blooms. Then add in the rice. Stir to coat evenly with olive oil. The better it is coated with oil, the better the integrity of the rice when it is cooked.
• Add the wine to the pot, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Stir as needed to keep from sticking. When the wine is mostly absorbed begin to ladle in the hot vegetable broth, one ladle at a time. You want to cover the rice with liquid and continue cooking. As it begins to evaporate, add more, monitoring the done-ness of the rice. When the rice is soft enough to chew, but maintains its shape, cook down until dry. Stir in the tomatoes, zucchini, Asparagus, chic peas, coconut oil, and "cheese". Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the herbs. Serve immediately

Notes

If you have any leftovers, you can make them into arancini or rissotto cakes. For arancini, put a ball of cheese in the middle of some of the rissotto, roll int a ball, bread, then fry. Or skip putting the cheese in the middle, and just make balls or patties, bread, and fry or pan sear.

Keyword Healthy, plant based, Rissotto, Saffron, vegan, vegetables

Chilled Vegan Melon Ginger Soup

cheffd

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

• 1 Quart Honeydew, cantaloupe, or similar melon
• 1/4 Cup Fine diced fresh peeled ginger root
• 1 to 2 Cup Champagne or other sparkling wine
• 1/4 Cup Honey or agave syrup
• 2 Tbsp Chopped fresh mint, plus a few sprigs for garnish
• The juice and zest of 2 limes
• 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
• 1/4 Cup Simple Syrup

Instructions

 

• Make a simple syrup: Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a pot. Cook down until it becomes a syrup. You want about 1/4 cup total. Pour he hot syrup over blueberries in a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain the blueberry syrup to remove extra solids and make it smoother. Chill until ready to use.
• Place all remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Chill and serve in a vehicle that allows the color to show. Drizzle with the blueberry syrup and garnish with mint sprigs.

Keyword Chilled, cocktail, Fruit, ginger, Melon, Mint, soup, vegan