Submitted by Stewardship Network of the San Juans
The Stewardship Network of the San Juans is partnering with our community to bring you the “San Juan Islands Earth Month Pledge” in April. Join us to create digital community solidarity for the health of the planet! We are not advocating that you go far from home – we just wanted to figure out a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day together.
Pledge to take action to recognize Earth Day all month — examples include: clean up the road near your house, take a trash bag on your next beach walk, commit to using less electricity at home, plant a veggie garden, start a compost bin, and simply enjoy time outside in your yard every day. Be responsible for the earth and your community by following social and spatial distancing guidelines.
Post your pledge or picture of you doing your action on social media with the hashtag #SJIEarthMonthPledge or post on our event page “SJI Earth Month Celebration”!
This month-long pledge is in place partly because the spring Great Islands Clean-up has been canceled due to health concerns. If you decide to collect litter for your “Earth Month Pledge,” road and beach litter can be disposed of free of charge at the Lopez, Orcas and San Juan transfer stations when Governor Inslee’s “Stay at Home” order is lifted.
Mother Earth deserves to be treated better than ever for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This pandemic has provided a pilot project. Across the world people have been taking notice; an improvement in good air quality days in China, less turbid waters in Venice (where Swans are coming back and fish are now seen in the canals), and a reduction in climate change-causing greenhouse gasses. It shows us that rapid change is possible and that a slow-down of human activity has positive effects on the environment.
In this time when most of us are at home and dealing with overwhelming news, it is important to remember the strength that we have in our communities. We look forward to seeing you virtually or online this month as we join together to create positive change for our islands!
