This year’s Earth Day theme is “Restore Our Earth.” The theme “examines natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems,” Earthday.org says. Rather than aiming for “mitigation” and “adaption,” experts are looking for ways to restore and replenish the planet which will require effort from all citizens of the world!
Climate change and other environmental degradations have broken our natural systems, leading to new and lethal diseases as well as a breakdown of the global economy. But just as climate change and coronavirus painfully remind us of the harm we’ve caused, Restore Our Earth reminds us of the opportunities that lay ahead.
We must Restore Our Earth not just because we care about the natural world, but because we live on it. Every one of us needs a healthy Earth to support our jobs, livelihoods, health & survival, and happiness. A healthy planet is not an option — it is a necessity.
KSD Architects has been consciously trying to improve our office and culture towards Restore Our Earth by installing energy-saving Smart Heating/Cooling systems, moving to digital QA/QC reviews, choosing more local vendors and suppliers, utilizing Smart printing trackers, and recommending our clients to incorporate sustainable solutions in their projects. We are constantly trying to establish new goals and improve these measures.
How to Celebrate Earth Day, Every Day:
Design, Design, Design! – We are architects, after all. We look at our projects through an eco-conscious lens – how can we use orientation, daylighting, materials, fixtures, construction details and energy system specifications to achieve a more earth-friendly design?
Print Less – Do your part by reviewing documents on your screen, instead of printing them. Thankfully for us, some townships are now accepting digital drawing submissions.
Spend more time outside – Saving the planet becomes more personal when it perceptively becomes part of your day. By enjoying nature in the form of bird (or squirrel) watching, hikes, or simply sitting out on your porch, you are taking moments from your day to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of the planet.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – This concept has been passed around since we were all kids, but somehow it has not clicked for everyone. Start sorting your trash and begin recycling paper, plastic and metals in the correct way according to your County website. Upcycling is even better –create a new life for something old! Or, purchase used items rather than new.
Eat a More Sustainable Diet – Studies indicate that the dietary greenhouse-gas emissions among meat-eaters were about 54% higher than those of vegetarians and 102% higher than those of vegans. It takes much more water and land to produce dairy and meat – and if you were to be vegan for a month, you could avoid 600 pounds of CO2 emissions, save 33,000 gallons of water, and protect 900 square feet of forest land!! (So, go Plant Based as much as possible!)
Enjoy your day, and celebrate our home, Planet Earth, every day!!
Facts & Images from Earthday.org, Greenpeace, Letha Wilson, and Canvas.