For the last 41 years, this little blue orb lost in vast space has been hearing the yearly cheer of our well intentioned species thanks to a certain Senator Nelson from Wisconsin. Originally the result of a catastrophic oil spill off Santa Barbara, California, Earth Day was created to emphasize the fragility of our planet and its importance to our existence.

Last year, we witnessed the Deep Water Horizon oil spill, the worst in U.S. history. Although the public has been continuously assured that all would be well, it seems that evidence is proving otherwise. Unfortunately, it is yet another powerful example of the long-term repercussions our actions are having not only on the health of our environment but on our own personal health and the health of the economy as well.

So what is the take-away here? In its simplest form, it is that our wellbeing is directly related to that of the planets’. We need to start looking at our planet as a bank account. We must start living off the interest it bears and stop eating away the capital. As consumers, we are casting the ultimate votes in our everyday lives. Of course, we must support the advocacy, conservation and restoration of our one and only life support system, but the biggest impact lies in the decisions we make each and every day.

“So what can I do?” It just so happens that the many things we can do and the many actions we can take have added benefits to us as well. As a single person living in small apartment in a large city I was able to not only lower my environmental “footprint” but also save almost $1700 in one year by adopting simple solutions (just take look on the internet for examples).

This week, I was invited to be part of the EDTA Innovation Motorcade in DC to help promote the acceptance and awareness about the benefits these new vehicles offer. Manufacturers both large and small came together to showcase their latest cars and the lower environmental footprint they leave when compared to their gas-guzzling cousins. I couldn’t help but be giddy at the opportunity to take the Tesla for a spin. After all, a consumer accessible electric vehicle capable of 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and up to 240 miles on one charge? Wow! Even better than this, there were practical vehicles for all needs: utility vehicles, sedans, compacts, sports cars and so on. All are better choices than those we are currently driving. With fossil fuel prices skyrocketing and wreaking havoc with air and water pollution, climate change, ocean acidification etc, the time is NOW to start adopting such technologies.

Beyond vehicles: Earth Day is a special day to feel hopeful. We can make drastic changes for the better. Simple actions such as weaning ourselves off single use plastics such as those ubiquitous bags and water bottles, not using toxic chemicals in our homes or yards, or choosing sustainable food options (which are available as free downloadable apps) in restaurants and supermarkets, replacing your home light bulbs to CFL or LED lights, and unplugging electric alliances when not in use and powering down your computers do have a big impact. Encourage family, colleagues and friends to do the same. Reach out to your networks via social media sites. Lets make it go viral so we can celebrate Earth Day everyday!

Thru sheer luck, our species has been chosen to inhabit the only oasis in space we know. It is time for us to stop living ON this planet, and start living WITH the planet. Let us ensure that our children have a chance to enjoy what we have thus far taken for granted. As my grandfather used to say: “People Protect What They Love”.

Happy Earth Day everyday!

Fabien Cousteau

Twtter: @FCousteau

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Plant A Fish ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Plant A Fish is a not for profit that educates people and empowers local communities to restore the ocean world. Inspired by the vastly popular and successful tree planting programs happening around the world, Plant A Fish extends restoration efforts of our planet beyond the waterline.

Plant A Fish restoration initiatives are made possible thru individual donation

s, corporate sponsorships, and grants. Breathing new life into our struggling planet is a challenging and long journey but one we must take to ensure a healthy future for our children and future generations.

To help support our mission click here:

Plant A Fish

To sign up for our newsletter click here:

http://eepurl.com/d2EgP

Thank you!