Celebrated for more than five decades, Earth Day made its debut on April 22,1970. Do you happen to remember why it was started in the first place? And, does it still matter?
It was a 3-part challenge:
•Wake-up Call: bringing attention to pollution of air and water and changed the perspective of people who had been oblivious to the damage that was being done as a consequence of business as usual.
•Education Opportunity: The original concept was that it would be held as a “teach-in” — a targeted day of intensive environmental education.
•Create Change: Increased environmental awareness led to the formation of the EPA and passage of multiple pieces of legislation to protect air and water.
Earth Day Fact That May Surprise You
The April 22 date was selected in part because it fell between colleges’ spring break and final exams, and because in 1970 when Earth Day was founded, college students generally were the most motivated to engage in environmental activism.
After more than 50 Earth Days, a few things have changed. Millennials, Gen Y and Gen Z are concerned about environmental issues, are open to change, and motivated to take action. They’re also the (present and future) consumers and workforce who will ensure the forest products industry and our planet thrives.
As it turns out, the entire month of April is now designated as Earth Month—a beautiful opportunity for us to spread the truth about trees and the role the forest products industry plays in protecting the welfare of the planet. The time is ripe to reinforce the message, start conversations that matter within the forest products industry and with the broader population.
Wake Up
The population at large, and especially young people, need to understand the role that sustainable forestry and wood products play both in their everyday lives and in the health of the planet.
Unfortunately, the volume is turned way up on the false messaging they hear every day. And, sadly, you believe what you hear most often:
•Our forests are being decimated
•Stop cutting down trees or we’re going to run out
•Choose plastic or an alternative instead of wood
•Don’t print that email
•Protect our forests, let trees die naturally
Wise Up
Education is the ticket to greater understanding and a stronger future for the industry and our planet. When the nation realized the need to attract more young people into technology fields, STEM programs sprouted everywhere. Programs that draw attention to forestry and the wood products industry need a similar increase in emphasis–within our companies and in the larger educational systems.
As a sector, we need to have a pipeline of talented, creative people interested in becoming part of this industry. Cultivating interest takes time. That’s where programs that reach young people in elementary grades and junior high help fill the gap.
For example, NAFF’s educational teaching kit, The Truth About Trees, helps kids in K-3rd grade build their basic understanding about the importance of sustainable forestry, trees and wood products.
For 6-8th graders, we’re working on developing an app—a gamified digital learning tool to reinforce the K-3 curriculum. With a more interactive, age-appropriate tool, this underserved age group will have an interactive memorable experience and introduction to the many career opportunities that await them in the wood industry.
Get Involved
The planet needs us all. It needs our brain power and willingness to engage in conversations that enlighten, empower, and drive the changes that will address climate change and maintain rich, diverse forests for generations to come.
So, how can you or your company make a difference?
•Meet kids where they are and share what you know. In honor of Earth Month, our Board members will be teaching the Truth About Trees Kit LIVE inside classrooms across North America. I’m teaming up with our partners at Hammermill Paper to do a fun school takeover event in Tennessee. You can participate by requesting a kit and teaching it in your area or planning a field trip to bring students to your location. (Scan the QR code to request a free kit or donate to sponsor one.)
•Become a Sponsor. You can have a direct impact on launching the junior high interactive app. We’re aiming for a 2024 release and have a few spots open to add corporate sponsors; if you’re interested in helping make this happen, reach out to adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org, or make a donation on our website.
•Partner with Us For An Event. Commit to being a matching sponsor for our Earth Month Kit Drive or Back to School Kit Drive in August and donations go 2x farther.
For your business and for NAFF, Earth Day is every day!
Let this be the nudge that gets conversations started on more sophisticated sustainability topics that inspire a new generation to responsibly care for the resources that serve us all. Together, we’re nurturing the next generation through education by helping kids become #exTREEmelysmart, creating a healthier future for them, our industry, and the planet. Find out how you can support this mission at NorthAmericanForestFoundation.org.
