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Where does environmental responsibility stem from?

On April 22, citizens around the world will participate in environmentally responsible activities celebrating Earth Day. What are the roots of environmental sustainability and how have they grown?

In the spring of 1970, following a number of environmental disasters in the United States, then-Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin proposed the formation of Earth Day as a national educational experience, focusing on integrating environmentally sustainable awareness and practices with the general public. In April 1970, over 20 million Americans gathered across the nation to lend their voices to the environment, a cause in desperate need of attention.

Today, Earth Day is revered worldwide. More than 200 million people in 141 countries now celebrate Earth Day, recognizing the need for environmental sustainability. Over six million participants are Canadians, who work towards lessening our impact on the earth.

The Canadian agriculture industry strives to meet the objectives of Earth Day every day. By developing innovative and world-class practices, Canadians can be confident their agriculture industry is committed to environmental sustainability from field to fork.

One major program helping to achieve environmental sustainability is the 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®) system. 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices are implemented by Canadian farmers to increase production while enhancing environmental protection and improving sustainability for communities. The best management practices incorporated in 4R Nutrient Stewardship are based on soil science research, providing a framework for understanding how plants absorb nutrients. Implementing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices ensures nutrient run-off into waterways is limited, enhancing our environmental sustainability and protecting our communities. Using this method of sustainable action, Canada’s farmers have demonstrated how the world can feed its communities while protecting the planet.

While Canada’s agriculture industry is making positive steps forward, it is important to encourage stewardship practices to ensure long-term environmental safety. Engaging youth in discussions of environmental sustainability and responsibility will equip them to make informed decisions throughout their lifetime.

Presently, one of the most effective methods to encouraging environmental responsibility among youth is through hands-on learning. Students who have the opportunity to discover environmental sustainability through real life experiences become better stewards of their land.

Hands-on learning also allows students to connect with modern agricultural practices and understand how they can play a critical role in lessening environmental impacts on our waterways and our communities. An integrated approach, such as coupling school curriculum and experiential learning, engages youth in environmental sustainability in an easily consumable manner. Students are then empowered to explore the variety of ways they can contribute to a healthier environment and the sustainable future of our earth in an engaging fashion.

Integrating agriculture into education encourages our future generations to foster and celebrate environmental respect, actions, and behaviors, protecting Canadian communities for decades to come.

Founded in 1970, Earth Day was created to raise awareness about environmental responsibility and sustainability while educating communities. Over 40 years later, Canada’s agriculture industry continues to accomplish this goal while positively impacting the social fabrics of Canadian life.