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The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the
writer and do not in any way represent those of Mountain Times
Publications nor any of its subsidiary publications.
By Vicki Randolph
There may have been a few personal celebrations in Ashe County
on Earth Day last week. Perhaps a few people tried some of the
top-ten-things-to-do list that was published in the previous edition
of the Mountain Times. But as far as any events go, there were
none.
Rather pathetic it seems, at a time when oil is maxing out and
the general public is just now realizing it. Rather pathetic it
seems, since the atmosphere is heating up and sea levels are rising
as we speak.
Really pathetic it seems, since there is a widening gap between
the wealthy and those living in poverty and so many starving children
in the world due to overpopulation and drought. Rather pathetic,
at a time when everyone else in the country has been recycling
for decades and our community doesn't even have recycling pick
up with the trash.
Especially pathetic since Ashe County is known for its exceptional
natural beauty and economically popular for eco-tourism, yet is
being plowed under rapidly to make room for ungreen housing plans
and irresponsible commercial development.
If anyone did celebrate Earth Day with an Ashe County event, this
newspaper is not aware of it, and apologizes in advance. (But
then again, even if there was an event, it was rather pathetically
advertised since it was not known about-even after being sought
out through many phone calls around town.)
There are many non-profit groups around who are working for the
betterment of the local environment-National Committee for the
New River, Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, New River
Earth Institute, New River Community Partners, High Country Conservancy
and others-but the rest of the general public doesn't often seem
to care about what's happening to our unique ecosystem.
Maybe more people care than is obvious, but those who do care
may need to add a little action to their concerns-besides complaining
that gas prices are rising...like that should be a surprise. Maybe
consumers should have been thinking about more fuel efficient
cars to begin with, before it hurt just their wallets! Hello?
So a big thanks to all of those out there who do make a positive
difference, and consider this a challenge to the rest of those
who don't! Maybe next year our little community won't be so pathetic
when it comes to Earth Day. (Which, by the way, has been celebrated
for nearly four decades and is recognized in more than 175 countries
and by millions of school children around the globe.)
For those readers who live every day as if it were Earth Day,
they get the biggest thanks of all.
It is worthy of noting, that since nothing was happening in Ashe
County, several Ashe citizens made their way to Watauga County
for the Earth Day Celebration at Appalachian State University.
There was a festival atmosphere, dozens of participants and hundreds
of students involved in the event.
Green organizations, volunteers, entrepreneurs, students and staff
of ASU and even children and pets made the day a success. Prizes
were given for trash and cigarette butts picked up, free vegetarian
food was given out, and much knowledge was shared.
Here's to Earth Day, and better luck next year! |
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