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April 22 Earth Day, its Our Power and Our Planet

April 22 Earth Day, its Our Power and Our Planet

Last updated on: April 23, 2026 at 1:55 am by Ann Trip

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April 22 Earth Day, its Our Power and Our Planet 2026-04-23T01:55:31+00:00 Ann Trip

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We have the power to protect our planet. Earth Day is today, Wednesday, April 22. This year Earth Day’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet. It reflects on the fundamental truth that environmental progress doesn’t depend on any single administration or election. This is according to the website earthday.org/earth-day-2026.

I’d ask what you’re doing for Mother Earth today but if you’re Pagan then you believe as I do. Earth Day isn’t just one day. So as I continue to always say, Earth Day is every day, however, we only celebrate it today. So I suggest instead of just cleaning Her up, let’s teach the naysayers just how it is done.

Instead of cleaning up like we should already be doing, maybe you could call your elected officials. Tell them about the importance of taking care of Mother Earth. After all, we know how real climate change is. We also know what little things we do can make a big difference. They add up in the end.

Even if you’d rather not call, then go to a public meeting and speak up. You could write a letter to them or better yet write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Especially now that everything is digital, more people will see it which means you’ll strike a cord with more folks. And hopefully start something bigger. You can organize a rally or demonstration in your town, or participate in one someone else has started. It takes only one small splash to create a ripple effect. Don’t forget that, please.

Earth

Earth PHOTO BY KEVIN M. GILL

There are many different things that we can do to make a difference. It may not happen overnight but just look at what we already accomplished. For starters in New Jersey and New York, we have to use reusable bags when we go grocery shopping. Many restaurants won’t carry plastic straws and instead give out paper straws. Other restaurants which still use plastic straws only give them out by request.

It’s easy for us to make these subtle changes, but can we all do it?

Even our fashion choices affect her. You would be surprised to find out that the process of making clothing creates four percent of the greenhouse emissions. You might find yourself chuckling about needing a haircut. Hair is compostable, so anytime you have any fallen hair, put it in the garden soil. It also serves a dual purpose as it keeps certain critters away. Ground hogs for example can’t stand human hair.

Speaking of gardens, you can plant a pollinator garden. They are relatively easy to maintain. Pollinator gardens, especially floral ones with native plants, attract bees and butterflies.

The website’s weblink above, has a chart of 50 ways to participate in Earth Day events. A lot of or almost all of these things can be done on any day. In fact, I encourage us to carry them out on other days of the year.

As the slogan on their website says, “Progress does not happen in silence. It happens when people show up.” This is so true. If we don’t show up and do, nothing happens. We create change and we can make it a positive one.

Earth

SeaChange exhibit PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY FRIED

Recently, artist Debrah Pearson Feinn, and member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, Jerry Fried created “SeaChange.” Additionally, Fried is a Montclair filmmaker and former mayor. The 360° immersive art exhibit with surfboards attached all around the outside of it, was set in UU’s Fletcher Hall. It depicted how the sea changed and that we need to protect the environment.

Moreover, the Climate Justice Group held two screenings of a movie related to taking care of the planet. I’m really grateful to be part of this group that is actually doing something about Mother Earth at my congregation. We are starting to compost at the congregation as well.

So, yes go plant a garden or two, reuse items instead of tossing out, reduce garbage and recycling. Get out there and demonstrate. Contact local representatives, but please do something. One day I’d like to be writing about what we did that made us not worry about Mother Earth. And hopefully I could be preaching to the choir and that choir would be everyone. So, until then Happy Earth Month!

Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair

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