Jagur Justen 

Opinions Editor

Occuring on April 22, Earth Day is a national collaboration in the United States where people are inspired to improve the earth’s current state. People work toward this goal by conserving  energy and water, cleaning up waste, and recycling.

On April 22, 1970, a group of students from University of Pennsylvania organized a rally, that surprisingly 20 thousand people attended, to celebrate the earth, according to professor of economic emeritus Bruce Yandle. Now, nearly 20 million people celebrate across the United States.

One problem is with the earth’s atmosphere; the depletion of the ozone layer which is primarily caused by chlorine and bromine atoms, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  

A cause of this is “Agricultural meat production. Less meat saves a lot of carbon dioxide and a lot of water […] an animal has to eat 10 calories of food to produce one calorie of food,” AP environmental science teacher Bryce Rasmussen said.

There are multiple ways to improve the environment. One could reduce, reuse and recycle, along with conserving water in order to reduce the amount of runoff and wastewater in the ocean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They also state that by planting trees, energy will be saved and clean air will be provided due to the trees producing oxygen.

Should working to maintain the planet be a one day endeavor? Or should the earth be cared daily for future generations down the road? 

“It’s a good time for everyone to recognize issues with the environment and find a way to reduce their carbon footprint,” sophomore Josh Pusch said.