Commercializing Earth Day--Loss of a Meaning?

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Commercializing Earth Day--Loss of a Meaning?

Out of curiosity the other day I was searching information on Earth Day. Many Communities have Gatherings. The information that came up was all sales. A site to buy BRANDED 'Eco Friendly' items, BRANDED Earth Day Posters, BRANDED anything that said Earth Day.

Then I was thinking about the actual Festivals that we have every year around Earth Day. What is it? More companies. More companies that hand out cute stuff, on paper usually, and many tell you how they can help be Environmentally Friendly or are advertising a service.

Is Commercializing Earth Day losing the meaning?

John McConnell is the original founder of Earth Day. Happened back in 1970 actually. On one site, he discusses why he wanted Earth Day to begin with:

"This special moment of nature's equipoise provides a sound basis for members of the human family to simultaneously join -- each in their own way -- in silent prayer or reflection : a time for dedication and commitment to the care of our planet, a time for thanksgiving and celebration. Earth Day is on the first day of Spring -- nature's symbol of renewal and new life."

To me, that is exactly what Earth Day should be. Come together as Stewards that understand our Limited Resources on Earth. Learn about how we can make a difference. Get away from the Daily Rut and Remember how important the Green Recycling Bins are outside and how so many decisions that we make affect, somehow, the Planet.

I believe that we should come together and unite for a cause, just as Mr. McConnell stated in 1970. Unite for the cause of Educating and Spreading the word. All Professionals from all corners of the Commercial World combining as one to make a very loud statement.

If you combined all of the Companies in your area to spread the word, what would it be? What is important in your area in regards to Earth Day?

Posted by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® Spring/Woodlands, TX Real Estate on 02/12/2008 08:21 PM

Comments (14)

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Originally posted at: Realtor ®-The Woodlands Real Estate : Commercializing Earth Day--Loss of a Meaning?

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14 Comments on Commercializing Earth Day--Loss of a Meaning?

FEB

2008

Hi Stehpanie - Great Post and Challenge!

you say "I believe that we should come together and unite for a cause, just as Mr. McConnell stated in 1970. Unite for the cause of Educating and Spreading the word. All Professionals from all corners of the Commercial World combining as one to make a very loud statement."

I agree that all professionals need to unite for this cause. This post makes a great PreEarth day challenge! As professionals we need to realize that we are all in this together and to promote this cause we need to be like Band of Brothers and expend our energy towards a cause.

You have offered a great challenge...thank you!

Stephanie - What a touching an profound post. I will need to give some thought to your question. It deserves more than an off the cuff response. Thanks for asking.

Hey Stephanie,

Hope all is well with you. For me personally, I don't think Earth Day has been hurt by commercializing. If anything imho it's reaching a far broader base than some could have imagined in the beginning. Who among us (at least in the U.S.) by now hasn't heard of it? Not many I would imagine.

I plan to dedicate my entire March/April newletter to eco friendly topics to help get the word out. This will be a first for me in the subject. I'm also planning on a regularly featured "green" article each issue as an ongoing column. For me it's about sharing the information, the more of us that take part even in a small way would help benefit our planet.

Hey Mary, I found it amazing all of the stuff out there. Instead of general information, it's buy from me for one reason or another. I like the transparent type marketing better.

Hi Marlene, Thank You! Just a hint... :) write a post and add it to Eco All Stars. :) I can't wait to read what you come up with.

Hi Lynda, I agree that it does reach more people...but it also seemed kind of divided, what I was reading.

I can't wait to hear what kind of response you get on your newsletter. Can you keep me posted on how it goes?

Stephanie, everything in this country has lost its meaning, due to the corporate bottom line. I wonder how they will celebrate Earth Day in Washington DC this year because they are not allowing any "mass" gatherings on the Mall any longer. Tramples the grass ya know! But by not allowing such, they are trampling on free speech!!!! Welcome to Amerika!

FEB

2008

Stephanie:

Thanks for this post. I did a little digging as to why there are two Earth Day celebrations one on March 21st and the other on April 22nd. Seemed a group called Environmental Teach-In hijacked the name Earth Day and went with April 22nd. John McConnell talks about it here I have always wondered about that since Earth Day on the first day of spring always made the most sense to me. I know I am showing my age, but I planted a tree on that first Earth Day at Northern Illinois University. Have not been back to check on it.

In regards tp commercialization of the day, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand folks get lost in it and forget its true meaning, but that happens around almost all our major holidays(Christmas as a prime example) as well. On the other hand having to think about various aspects of our environment and how you might help it by buying certain products isn't necessarily bad either, as long as the products really are earth friendly.

Stephanie, I see your point however, I believe that sometime commercialism is not a bad thing. More and more people become aware of this.

Stephanie--Earth Day has become a buzzword for companies to hang their Green program on. Though some are have the true spirit at heart, I think several are just jumping on the bandwagon. Gradeschool children still go out on this day...I think it is in the spring and pick up all the trash on the school grounds across MN. It is a good message for them. I hope the true meaning doesn't get lost.

Stephanie - Commercialism reaches its grubby little fingers everywhere it can. I think it's critical to remember the intent of Earth Day. Thanks.

Steff...

I don't know diddlee :)

Except of course 1970 was a good year.

It was the year I learned to make lotion out of roaches. Shhh...LOL.

Do not send me a bill for spitting on your p.c. :)

TLW...ROAR!

It's hard not to see the green washing the media is doing now. It's everywhere. I mean really, if Gieco insurance is really giving money to zoos - great. But they should be doing earth friendly things daily anyway. I say watch where your consumer $$ is going today and tomorrow because these companies could change their minds and jump on what-ever band wagon next. One small drop of rain in the ocean raises the level. It is more important that everyone reading this is doing their small part than these large companies saying they are do theirs. There - I said it!

FEB

2008

Stephanie,

Thank you so much for this post, I tend to let earth day sneak up on me and you have got it set to high priority on my calendar now!

I'm not sure what I will do, but this year I will do something!

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Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® Spring/Woodlands, TX Real Estate

The Woodlands, TX

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