Series Intro
This year marks the 40th celebration of Earth Day. But with green exploding everywhere and a progressive administration in the White House, do we still need it? We asked writers, activists, and business types from around the country to weigh in:
- Nature writer Rick Bass says we need Earth Day more than ever.
- Professional contrarian Dan Akst says Earth Day has become a haven for smug hypocrites.
- Journalist Jennifer Oladipo worries that the Earth Day brand has lost its luster.
- Urban educator Mike Cermak urges greens to look beyond themselves for inspiration.
- Procter & Gamble Sustainability VP Len Sauers says Earth Day is no time for business as usual.
- Gaylord Nelson biographer Bill Christofferson says the Earth Day founder wouldn’t be surprised by the criticism leveled at the holiday—but environmentalists’ work is far from done.
On talking to our kids about the future
How personal actions can kick-start a sustainability revolution