April 22, 2022, marks the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day, which is celebrated annually throughout the world. The planet supplies oxygen, water, and sustenance for over seven and a half billion humans. That’s no small feat! These days, natural processes are being stretched as groundwater is being depleted in some areas and soil erosion is reducing the productivity of the land. That’s certainly something to ponder this Earth Day. Below are a few other related topics that are currently on our minds.
Food Delivery Apps
You may be wondering what food deliver apps have to do with Earth Day. Bear with us for a moment, we’ll get there! DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats make it convenient and quick to bring a wide variety of prepared foods directly to hungry folks at home. The range of selections available has ballooned dramatically beyond the more traditional pizza delivery. It is unlikely that customers contemplate soil erosion and water quality while eating a DoorDash delivered fried chicken sandwich. But perhaps they should! Perhaps we all should consider where our food comes from when we sit down to a meal. To ensure good food and clean water for current and future inhabitants of Earth, it is essential that farms and ranches continue to be viable. Regenerative agriculture could be part of the solution.
Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture can increase nutrient retention, suppress diseases, and hold soil during extreme weather events. No-till farming is an important part of regenerative agriculture and typically reduces expenses associated with fertilizer and equipment. Over time, regenerative agriculture increases the organic content of the soil and stores more carbon.
Click here to take a fun quiz and learn more about regenerative agriculture.
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services is a broad term used to describe nature's numerous benefits to humanity. A 2014 study estimated that the monetary value of ecosystem services that nature has provided to humanity is around $125 trillion. Despite this, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, these assets are not adequately accounted for in political and economic policy, which means there is insufficient investment in their protection and management. This is worrisome because ensuring the continued contribution of these benefits is essential for human life on Earth.
Click here to learn more about the four types of services the world’s ecosystems provide.
What’s Your Favorite Planet?
You now only have eight major planets to choose from in our solar system. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) demoted the ninth planet from the sun to a “dwarf planet.” (Don’t despair Pluto lovers, you’re not alone! The next official “Pluto Day” is February 18, 2023.) Although Pluto was a popular answer for years, there are also many Americans that claim Earth as their favorite planet. If that’s how you cast your vote, we encourage you this Earth Day to show your love for our planet by being mindful of how your actions impact the place we all call home.
Click here to listen to the special Earth Day episode of our podcast.