Dear Eartha, I am constantly hearing that the earth is on a “Tipping Point.” What I don’t understand is, we as a society are recycling more, doing more “Green” things and are conscious of resources — are we helping the world at all? How would we measure our progress? Can we?
— Kimberly Trembearth, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

This is one of the most thought provoking and inspiring questions I’ve had the pleasure of answering. Coincidentally, it is two days after Earth Day, so this planet we live on has been on my mind.

I love celebrating Earth Day; however, caring for the environment is a continuous process, not just a one day sort of thing.

Caring for the earth is like caring for a teenager (as I’ve learned from watching Summit Prevention Alliance’s “Dialogues over Dinner” on SCTV10).

Always on the “Tipping Point” between having the freedom to develop and do tasks on one’s own, while still needing nurture, guidance, love and attention, in order to be a well-rounded, healthy being.

As a community, we need to be consistently engaged with the planet, which can be a daunting task to many people.

When we talk about environmental sustainability, it’s not something that will happen overnight.

Obstacles such as the growing world population, ballooning fossil fuel use and consumption increasing on all levels need to be acknowledged, while not allowing them to discourage us.

Through hard work and changing habits, in Summit County, the U.S. and the world, we are making and will maintain making a difference.

By remaining focused on the ways to make a difference we can inspire others with everyday, individual actions. I happen to know that the author of the question does not even own a car. I am not in that boat, but rather than feel guilty, I will ride the bus, walk or bike because Kimberly has inspired me to do so.

At the High Country Conservation Center, our mission is to provide practical solutions to waste reduction and resource conservation for our mountain community.

Part of that is to inspire and educate, so we’re here to help you be as environmentally sustainable as possible with actions that can easily become habits.

For example, recycling one day is great; but, recycling every day is even better. Did you know that recycling just one aluminum can saves enough electricity to power a television for over three hours? That definitely makes a difference.

Additionally, with new groups like Renewables in the Summit Environment (RISE), we can take satisfaction in knowing that we can increase renewable energy or the use of waste vegetable oil in Summit, which both have measurable results.

Also, in order to teach the community the many eco-actions toward sustainability, we offer the Earth Day Action Fair each year, which is this Saturday, April 26 at the Frisco Community Center (110 3rd Street, between Main and Granite) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

From learning about big actions like getting a photovoltaic system for your home, to taking a workshop on planting flowers, the Earth Day Action Fair offers practical solutions to resource conservation for our mountain community — much like the High Country Conservation Center does year-round.

More than 20 nonprofits and businesses will have booths showing the community how to make their eco-ways through the world. All-day workshops will include planting and papermaking for kids, organic food vendors, the Recycled Fashion Show and the Green Scene Awards — all a part of this special event.

So, come on down, and learn how you can start on the path to a sustainable Summit County and planet. Then go home or back to work and “wow” your family and friends with all your eco-knowledge, which reminds me of a suggestion I read on the inside wrapping of a Dagoba Organic Chocolate bar: “If you garden, plant heirlooms, save the seeds and trade with friends.”

From small actions to big ones, yes, we are making a difference. However, it’s important to remember that it is a nonstop process. Through long-term, rocking steady actions, we’ll continue to sustain a cleaner, healthier planet that we’ll leave for future generations.

Eartha Steward is written by Carly Wier, Jennifer Kirkpatrick, and Beth Orstad, consultants on all things eco and chic at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation in our mountain community. Eartha believes that you can walk gently on our planet, even if you’re wearing stylie shoes.

Eartha Steward is written by Carly Wier, Jennifer Kirkpatrick and Beth Orstad, consultants on all things eco and chic at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation in our mountain community. Eartha believes that you can walk gently on our planet, even if you’re wearing stylie shoes.

Submit questions to Eartha at eartha@highcountryconservation.org with Ask Eartha as the subject or to High Country Conservation Center, P.O. Box 4506, Frisco, CO 80443.