Our Environment, Our Responsibility

From Earth Day inspiration to everyday action—explore healthy habits, threats posed by the GOP, and how we can move forward together for a more sustainable future.

April 24, 2025

Our Environment, Our Responsibility

The History of Earth Day 🌎

Earth Day started in 1970 when U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson wanted to get people talking about the environment the same way they were protesting the Vietnam War. Millions of Americans showed up for the first one, which led to significant changes, such as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and laws protecting air, water, and wildlife.

By 1990, Earth Day went global—and now, more than a billion people celebrate it yearly in nearly every country, serving as worldwide reminder to care for our planet

Happy Earth Day from our team!

Ways to Live Greener

Looking to make an impact? Whether it's through hands-on community action or making small changes at home, there are plenty of simple ways to contribute. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Get Involved in Your Community

  • Join a local cleanup. Parks, creeks, or even sidewalks—trash doesn’t stand a chance!

  • Host a clothing swap. Give your wardrobe a refresh while cutting down on waste.

  • Volunteer with local gardens or environmental organizations. Check out Athens Land Trust or Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful.

  • Start a sustainability challenge with your friends, dorm, or student org to take on eco-friendly goals together.

Change Your Personal Habits

  • Swap single-use for reusable:

  • Cut your carbon footprint: Try Meatless Mondays, recycle, compost, and unplug devices when not in use.

  • Thrift & upcycle: Good for your wallet and the environment!

    • Have old clothes with holes or old underwear? Well, the Take Back Bag is just for you! Once you buy a bag, you can fill it up with old clothes, and once it’s full, just ship it back to them, where 98% of your clothes get repurposed!

The Federal Retreat on Environmental Protections

Since Trump’s second term began, he has issued several executive orders dismantling key Biden-era policies. These decisions have far-reaching implications for climate change, energy production, and public health. Below are the most consequential actions thus far:

Rollback of Climate Policies

Trump has directed the EPA to reevaluate the “legality and continuing applicability” of its 2009 endangerment finding, which classifies greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This move undermines the EPA’s regulatory authority and hinders its ability to combat climate change efficiently.

Expansion of Oil and Gas Drilling

Arguing that previous administrations failed to fully utilize America’s energy potential, Trump is prioritizing fossil fuel production at the expense of accelerating the depletion of nonrenewable energy sources. With that comes a push for development in federal waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, and the Gulf of Mexico. 

Increased Domestic Energy Production

Trump declared a national emergency regarding domestic energy supply, triggering emergency powers to expedite energy production. While this aims to ensure energy independence, the costs are steep: heightened global warming, severe weather patterns, habitat destruction, and increased pollution. 

Rescinding Wind Energy Initiatives

In a shift away from renewable sources, the administration has paused the approval of new and renewed offshore wind leases. Furthermore, existing projects are under review, with some facing possible termination. This reversal threatens the progress of wind energy—a clean, sustainable alternative critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Building a Greener Georgia: Democratic Environmental Initiatives and the Path Forward

In contrast to federal rollbacks, Georgia Democrats attempted to advance environmental proposals to foster a sustainable future for our state during the 2025 legislative session. Central to their agenda was House Resolution 67, which set an ambitious goal for Georgia to transition to 100% clean and renewable energy by 2050, emphasizing workforce development and green job creation.

Other key Democratic initiatives included:

  • The Georgia Environmental Justice Act sought to establish a commission to analyze the placement of environmentally hazardous facilities and mitigate disproportionate impacts on low-income and minority communities

  • Legislation requiring environmental impact statements for new or expanded facilities in overburdened areas, ensuring community involvement and transparency in decision-making

  • A bill to create a comprehensive community solar program, expanding access to solar energy, enabling residents, including those unable to install solar panels on their properties, to benefit from solar energy

Despite these forward-thinking initiatives, the Republican-controlled legislature posed significant challenges. For example, they introduced a bill to shield manufacturers from liability for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) linked to serious health risks. Additionally, legislation was passed granting lawmakers the power to veto major executive branch regulations, potentially stalling implementation of essential environmental protections.

These developments underscore the need for continued advocacy and flipping the state legislature blue. By doing so, we can ensure the passage of legislation that prioritizes the health of our communities and the preservation of our natural resources. 

The fight for a sustainable and equitable Georgia is ongoing, and collective action remains our most powerful tool in safeguarding the one planet and one Georgia we share.

Consider a donation to The 2030 Project!

With year-round organizing, we can support strong candidates, create new Democratic coalitions, and build a better future for all Georgians.

secure.actblue.com/donate/2030project

Until next time,

Fund year-round organizing. Flip the GA State Legislature.