As Earth Day celebrates its 45th anniversary on April 22, communities are being united in the theme: It’s Our Turn To Lead. As I immersed myself in all things Earth Day, this one short statement from the Earth Day Network is one that has remained top-of-mind:
“One billion people still live on less than $1.25 a day… developing countries don’t want to give up economic growth no matter the environmental cost, since the U.S. and other developed countries got to pollute their way to the top.”
It’s an eye-opening statement; it’s probably one many consider a little harsh but still has them saying, “They have a point.” However, this also clearly explains why one of Earth Day’s key visions is “economic growth and sustainability joining hands”. Developed nations are in a strong position to show undeveloped nations how to move toward economic strength without compromising the environment and, in fact, helping to restore some of the damage done worldwide.
And so, this April 22, the Earth Day Network is calling on us – as businesses, communities and individuals – to start our journey as leaders of others… to lead by our example and continue to grow the environmental movement not just in the U.S., but worldwide. One way to lead by example is to live in an increasingly environmentally responsible manner.
American Water proudly supports the observance of Earth Day, and year-round activism that helps fulfill these eco-responsibilities. This April 22, we encourage our customers and the communities we serve to join us by:
- Participating in your local Earth Day activities.
- Taking a “refresher course” on wise water use.
- Enrolling in our My H2O Online account management program and sign up for paperless billing: a timesaving way for you to manage your water/wastewater service AND reduce paper usage and your carbon footprint!
- Getting an at-a-glance look at how American Water works toward the joining of hands of economics and sustainability in our service to you.
- More deeply understanding the role we play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy use.
45 years of Earth Day activism has brought us to this point – to Our Turn To Lead! And the movement has given us the awareness, know-how and resources to do so. So I wish everyone a Happy Earth Day, and encourage you to celebrate the impact you make EVERY day.