This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, April 25, 2011 - Just ahead of last week's observance of Earth Day, the Beacon, through our Public Insight Network, asked readers about their environmental concerns and practices. We also asked them to describe why Earth Day matters to them.
The responses varied in their detail but focused on the common theme of valuing a special time to emphasize "green" living. Some want to see greater use of public transportation, while others stressed the need for more recycling. They also expressed concern for air and water safety and quality.
Here is what some had to say in written responses, which have been edited for length or clarity.
Jen Amunategui of Florissant: "I think it is important to have a day that celebrates being responsible with our natural resources and encourages reusing as opposed to buying and consuming more new items. Myself and/or my sons have volunteered at STL Earth Day festival for the last three years because I love the education it provides and what it stands for. I appreciate the seeds it plants in people's minds for changes they can make on a daily basis."
In her home, Amunategui wrote that she recycles "everything that is possible, except food waste." She tries to go without heat or air conditioning as much as possible, and when in use as low as possible. She uses energy-efficient light bulbs and washes her clothes in cold water. "We take reusable water bottles and coffee mugs with us always. We reuse plastic baggies for just about forever and then recycle them."
"We are about 50 percent on organic foods, but it's often too expensive, so in this case we opt local when at all possible."
Amunategui, who works as a manager at Starbucks in Hazelwood, wrote that she drives a 2001 Subaru Outback, which she chose for its fuel efficiency.
"It's important to use our Earth responsibly," she wrote. "As much as I like modern conveniences, we don't need to overdo it. I think moderation is highly underrated. Sustainability is a hot word these days, but it's key for me, especially with my kids in mind. I want things to be in best possible shape for them when I hand them the reins."
Debora Davidson of Chesterfield: "I care as much about the Earth as I do my body, and I feel that they are basically the same. Both house and sustain me. Actually, I feel that the Earth should be more important than our bodies, as it sustains all life ... not just an individual.
"I recycle and try to make good choices about what I buy, what I put on my lawn and in my garden. I drive a Prius and strive to keep it well maintained to maximize its efficiency.
"We are capable of consuming much more than our share, but that does not give us the right to do so. Nor is doing so in our own best interest. We have the knowledge and means to live well in a sustainable manner and to share resources more equitably among ourselves, if we choose to do so."
Davidson is co-owner of Bright Futures, a professional transition consulting firm. She wrote that in the last year she has started buying more organic food as one step to help the environment, and that she would like to see government officials and agencies make recycling easy, economical and be required for all businesses and public venues.
Nancy Burgess of St. Louis: Earth Day "matters because it is a symbol and a celebration of people who do care about conservation and the accomplishments of those who are or who have been fighting for these concerns."
Burgess, a retired flight attendant, wrote, "I recycle everything I can, and I so appreciate the city's new receptacles. I try not to use too much paper. I shop at thrift stores. I use energy-efficient light bulbs. I don't use paper towels, I buy toilet paper (made of recycled paper), I use cloth napkins, I wash my clothes in cold water. Environmental issues are always prevalent."
She wrote that she shops at Trader Joe's. "They make a big effort to practice green and carry organic food."
Her car? A Honda Civic. "I get 33-40 mpg."
She wrote that she would like government officials to lead the way to "stop burning coal; stop industry from polluting water; stop farmers from using artificial fertilizers that pollute ground water."
Christine Garhart of St. Louis: Earth Day matters, she wrote, because "it helps to publicize environmental problems and changes we need to make."
Garhart is an assistant professor in the college of optometry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She wrote that at home, she recycles paper, glass, plastic and cans. She has a kitchen compost bucket and a ComposTumbler and mulches her leaves. "I wash clothes with cold water, have a rain barrel, set thermostat to 63 in winter and 79 in summer."
She drives a 2005 Mazda 3. "It was the best mileage I could afford."
"People could do much more at home," she wrote. Government officials and agencies should "make building codes greener for designing and redeveloping."
