Earth Day indulgence

In my job as Cohn & Wolfe’s Global Sustainability Practice leader, I feel lucky to live and breathe People, Planet and Profit every day. So on Earth Day I am usually happy to sit back a bit and enjoy the celebration.

Over the last few years, however, Earth Day has taken on a weird Hallmark-meets-hemp-meets-Lent sheen for me. Much of the joy it used to bring now feels forced, as if we’re trying to cram forgiveness for a year’s worth of bad behavior into 24 hours.

So this year for Earth Day, I will ask for your indulgence. Instead of the usual request for sacrifice – give up water bottles, walk to work, skip your shower – I invite you to indulge in your environment.

Here are a few suggestions, which should work in most parts of the world.

1. Go put your feet in a river, ocean or pond. While there, think about what it would be like to be a fish. No, really, put yourself in the fish’s, um, well, shoes, if it had some.
2. Play in your garden.  Get dirty. Alternatively, start a garden. And get dirty.
3. Kiss your kids. They are the ones who will fix our environmental mess, so think of it as advance thanks for their kindness.
4. Go to the highest point you can find and take some deep breaths. Whether the Marin Headlands, the Swiss Alps or the Empire State Building, a moment of zen will do you - and everyone around you – some good.
5. Okay, I know I said we won’t ask you to give something up, but I changed my mind. You really should give something away to someone who needs that something more than you do. Maybe it’s a jacket or a sandwich or an hour of your time. Just give.

From all of us Cohn & Wolfe, we hope you take the time to enjoy this Earth Day, as well as the one on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday…..