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    National

    The Earth Absolutely Deserves a Day of its Own

    Cynthia Bond Hopson, Ph.D.By Cynthia Bond Hopson, Ph.D.April 21, 2023Updated:April 21, 2023No Comments3 Mins Read
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    Cynthia A. Bond Hopson, Ph.D.,is a higher ed executive, best-selling author, and podcast host. She lives in Cordova, TN. Follow her at www.drbondhopson.com
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    Earth Day 2023 is an excellent opportunity to celebrate all the ground
    we’re standing on. Officially designated for April 22 annually since 1970, I
    suggest we pick a day—any day, every day, and respect/marvel at our
    wonderful earth’s glory and power.

    As a child growing up on a farm, one of my favorite things to do this time of
    year was to walk freshly plowed fields barefooted. There is something life-
    giving about the warm earth between your toes, and of course, that meant it
    was time for one of my favorite pastimes–making mud pies and cakes.

    Before long it would be time for planting and chopping and the gentle
    reminder from my father, “Cynthie, take care of the earth. They’re not making
    anymore.” We’d laugh and it was years later when I realized his words were
    true—they’re not making any more so it’s critical that we pause and
    appreciate, celebrate, preserve, and take care of this beautiful and precious
    thing we depend so heavily on.

    I can’t decide if no-till farming is a blessing or not since there are no freshly
    plowed fields—the new seeds are planted on top of the previously harvested
    crops—but it means less wear and tear on the land, so I will get over myself.
    Earlier this week I saw a tractor the size of a house plowing nearby, and I
    was tempted to pull over and take off my shoes until I discovered that the
    fields that had sustained generations was being cleared to make way for
    progress. All the trees were gone and the house that had created memories
    and children’s laughter was now a shack and a reminder of bygone days.

    This Earth Day, let’s stop, look, and listen as the earth cries out for our help
    to keep being our source of life and sustainability. Whether you own a
    flowerpot full or hundreds of acres, the earth is a priceless gift, and we must
    treasure it as such.

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    Here are some ways you can do your part:
    Plant a tree and nurture it for the generations to come; plant bee-friendly
    plants so the pollinators can do their magic; clean up your neighborhood and
    pinch the folks who litter with no regard; intentionally purchase and use
    earth-friendly household cleaning products; use natural pesticides in the
    garden and on flower beds; take shorter showers and buy reduced flow
    shower heads and bathroom fixtures; stop unwanted magazines and catalogs,
    refuse water at restaurants if you don’t intend to drink it, and take fewer
    grocery or shopping bags home.

    If I have only a few items, I carry them in my hand since I’m the world’s
    worse at remembering to take my own bags. My mother reused bread bags,
    jelly jars, the Styrofoam trays, foil and sandwich bags like her life depended on
    it. Now that I think about it, it did. Her lessons on reuse, recycle, and reduce
    are today’s clarion call and I pray it is one we embrace.

    As I watched television and saw flood and storm devastation around the
    world this month, my heart broke because it wasn’t just people’s broken
    hearts and dreams, but the land, rivers, and communities were broken and
    ravaged too.

    As we observe Earth Day 2023, think about how you and your
    family can be friendlier to the earth. Whether it’s turning the water off as you
    brush your teeth, or organizing a neighborhood cleanup, be proactive,
    interested, generous, intentional–whatever that looks like—and protect this
    perfect gift for today and tomorrow.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Cynthia Bond Hopson, Ph.D.

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