THE TIME IS NOW. Earth Day reminds us all of what we can do to make the Earth better. (Illustration via Unsplash)

Earth Day. One day a year set aside specifically to celebrate the planet we live on and encourage us all to be better stewards of it.

A good place to get some perspective on our planet is from outer space. Let’s all put on our imagination caps and pretend for a moment that we’re astronauts. From outer space, we can see the entirety of the world. The blue ball that holds all of humanity. Everyone who has ever lived, lived on that planet. Our friends, family, and future generations. Sharing the planet with the rest of nature.

As an astronaut looking down on the Earth, we’re acutely aware of the systems that allow us to remain alive in the harsh environment of outer space. The systems that provide us with breathable air in the cold vacuum of space. The systems that provide drinkable water where there would otherwise be none.

Now, suppose for a second you see one of your fellow astronauts beginning to dismantle those same systems that provide you air and water. Your initial reaction would likely be one of surprise. Why would they be doing that?

“What are you doing?”

They reply, “Oh, it’s OK. I’m just ripping out some of this equipment. I can sell it!“

You pull them away from what they’re doing. “You can’t remove any of that! It’s the only thing keeping us alive out here!”

”

My hope is that much in the same way humans came to realize the Earth was not the center of the universe, 

we will also realize that life on this planet is not centered around humans. We are a part of life on this planet, we are not apart from it.

matt friell

Their confused reply, “But, I can sell it. There’s tons of this stuff up here. Don’t worry, I’ll split the money with you.“
Your brain cannot process what is happening. Your fellow astronaut is removing the only way for you to get clean water and breathable air, while you’re still in outer space, because they want to sell it. Clearly, they have gone insane.
OK, if you’re still wearing that imagination cap I asked you to put on at the beginning (I know, they’re uncomfortable and look goofy), you can take it off now. Don’t worry about returning it to me. Now that we’re firmly back in reality, prepare to have your mind blown. You might want to sit down for this next part.

We’re already astronauts on a spaceship called Earth.
Woah! Mind blown.
(cue explosion noise)
So, if Earth is just one big spaceship flying through space, providing us with a livable temperature and atmosphere, air to breathe, clean water to drink, and soil to grow food in, then why are we dismantling the planetary life support systems that provide all those things? And how are future humans supposed to live without them, or live with badly degraded versions of them?

My hope is that much in the same way humans came to realize the Earth was not the center of the universe, we will also realize that life on this planet is not centered around humans. We are a part of life on this planet, we are not apart from it.
We need a future where humans understand this planet is our forever home. It is not a dumping ground for endless amounts of trash and pollutants. It is not an infinite resource that can be endlessly exploited. It is our home. Not just our home, but the home of every other living organism that humans have ever known.

Our home.

Friell lives in Eau Claire. This essay was originally published on his blog, mynaturehome.wordpress.com.