Being the environmentalist and tree-hugger that I am, obviously tomorrow, April 22, 2016, is one of my favorite days of the year: Earth Day! In honor of this, here are my top ten reasons why I love the Earth.
10) Earth gives us the very best home.
Whether you live on a farm, in a field, or in a city, Earth was and is your home.
9) Earth is constantly changing, but still stays the same.
The Earth has been around for longer than any of us can actually fathom and in that time, so much about the topography of our planet has changed. That fact alone (something existing for billions of years) is enough to baffle anyone. But, in some way, shape, or form, everything that has existed on this planet is still here. Once existing creatures now provide the fuel that power our cars and fossils are constantly being found that tell us about the history of our planet. Pictured here is a site from the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, CA (A very active pit were fossils are constantly being found).
8) DIVERSITY.
There are more species around today than there ever has been on the planet before. Everywhere you go, everywhere you look; there are living creatures all around you, with thousands still undiscovered. From the depths of the ocean to the tops of mountains, Earth is teeming with diversity and that is freaking cool.
7) Earth gives us the opportunity to escape.
Left to grow and thrive as she pleases, the Earth is a spectacular place. Our beautiful planet knows exactly what we need when we need a break from our busy lives. Being able to take a weekend and enjoy what has been provided for us is something we should not take for granted.
6) Religious/spiritual values.
Some cultures worship water or mountains and, for this reason, many peoples seek spiritual or religious guidance through many of Earth’s natural wonders.
5) Mother Nature is constantly providing for us.
She provides the ground we walk on, the water we drink, the food we eat and so much more. Everyday she supports (or at least tries to support) our exponentially growing population with all that she gives us.
4) Seasons.
We’re lucky to live on a planet that has changing seasons. One that gives us the perfect balance of hot and cold, wet and dry, and everything in between. What’s even better is that you can travel or move to places who have exactly the type of weather you desire.
3) There’s something for everyone.
Like to ski? Go to the mountains. Like to swim? Go to the lake. Like to hike? Visit a forest. No matter where you go, something you love is nearby. The best part of it all is the fact that you don’t even have to travel far to get it. Here in Erie we have: 1) Lake Erie (which looks more like an ocean than a lake), 2) Copious amounts of snow to satisfy every winter activity, 3) Wooded areas perfect for hiking and many, many more things to occupy all of your free time.
2) Earth is simply beautiful.
Whether you are looking at a grand waterfall, the ocean, or just the way the earth haphazardly places itself, it’s impossible to ignore the beauty all around us.
1) The intrinsic values Earth provides.
Ever noticed how you always feel better after spending a few hours in the fresh air? You’re not making it up; you actually are experiencing something almost magical when you spend time in nature. Earth has a way of lightening your mood, calming your nerves, and quieting your mind that cannot be replaced or replicated.
Mother Earth does so much for us every day, most of which we don’t even notice. Take today, tomorrow, and everyday to appreciate all that She has done and continues to do for us and let’s work together to protect our only home. Without these efforts, soon there will be nothing left for us to enjoy. Happy Earth Day!
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