Join Community Health on Tribal Campus, April 22 

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, one day each April has been designated as a day to think about and take action to affirm our responsibility for and reliance on a clean, biodiverse and ecologically functional planet. The theme for Earth Day 2026 is Our Power, Our Planet, which alludes to the essential role of individuals and communities around the globe in protecting the complex ecological web of life on Planet Earth.  

Many human illnesses are caused or exacerbated by dangerous environmental conditions. Air pollution from vehicle emissions and wildfire smoke aggravates respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Unregulated carcinogens in pesticides and fertilizers leak into the water and food supply and have been linked to cancer clusters and neurological disorders. Even many common household cleaners contain chemicals that have been shown to be harmful to human and animal health. 

There are many small actions we can take every day that add up to big differences for Planet Earth. Here are just a few ideas: 

• Plant a tree- Trees reduce air pollution and soil erosion, offer much needed shade in a warming world, and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. 

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- Many of the products we use every day are made from natural resources that are finite – once they’re gone, they’re gone. We can reduce our impact by buying only what we really need, repurposing or donating items we don’t need any more, and recycling or composting any waste possible. 

• Go meatless- The commercial livestock industry uses a phenomenal amount of energy, water, and land and produces a disproportionate amount of waste and pollution. Consider going meatless one day a week or cutting back on the amount of meat you eat every day. You will save money, improve your health, and maybe discover a new favorite vegetarian recipe! 

• Vote with your consumer dollar- Purchase products that are responsibly sourced and use as little non-recyclable packaging as possible. Consider buying local and organic whenever those options are available.  

 

These are just a few ideas of easy things we can all do every day to make a difference. For more ideas, check out Earth Day Tips: 50 Easy Ways to Help the Planet Every Day. 

Please join the Community Health department on Wednesday, April 22 for a one mile walk to celebrate Earth Day. Participants will meet at 10 am in front of the Mouache Capote Building.  

Water and healthy snacks will be provided.