Earth Day is a dedicated time for people to acknowledge everything that the planet provides for them,  and to give a little love back. This day is a time when people worldwide come together to honor the planet in various ways. At State High, students expressed the gratitude they have for Earth by marking the occasion in their own ways.

Sophomore Jackie Eveleth shared how she felt about Earth day. “I absolutely love Earth Day because I feel so closely connected with nature and it makes me feel so happy,” Eveleth said.  

Sophomore Matias Diez Shay had similar thoughts. “I think that Earth Day is a great way to celebrate the planet that we live on and everything that it does for us,” Diez Shay said. 

Earth Day can mean something different to everyone. Not everyone relates to environmental issues in the same way or has the same resources available to participate in certain activities. Even helping the planet in a small way, or just taking the time to recognize everything it does is beneficial when looking at the bigger picture. 

Diez Shay shared what Earth Day means to him, and how he celebrated it. 

“Personally, I think Earth Day means taking a second to recognize what we’re doing to the earth and to try and help it. To celebrate Earth Day, I picked up trash in Lederer Park,” Diez Shay said.  

Eveleth shared a little about her celebrations as well. “Earth Day is important to me because I love being able to have a specific day to celebrate the earth. I celebrated by going outside after school!” Eveleth said. 

While celebrating the Earth, it’s also important to take a second to recognize all of the destruction humans have caused. By doing this, steps can be taken to help the many environmental issues that exist. 

Helping solve environmental issues can look different for every single person, depending on what they’re passionate about and the resources they have access to. 

Eveleth shared a specific issue she’s passionate about, and ways she believes the environment can be helped.

“I’m very passionate about global warming because I care about the earth and the animals and I don’t want them to be harmed because of it,” Eveleth said.  “People can raise awareness about environmental issues by posting about issues and raising money for foundations that protect our planet.”

Diez Shay shared a different passion.

“I’m passionate about how deforestation is really harmful for us. Even with the CO2 that we’re pumping into the air, taking down trees makes the problem worse,” Diez Shay said.  “People can continue funding organizations that help the Earth. There are a lot of non-profitable organizations that help the environment and supporting them helps.” 

As Earth Day comes to an end, the dedication to the planet shouldn’t. Making small changes in habits, raising awareness about environmental issues, and taking a moment to appreciate everything Earth has to offer, are things that can and should be done every day. The Earth provides for everyday needs, so there is a responsibility to reciprocate what the Earth needs.