Every year, the people who inhabit this planet generate more than two billion tons of garbage. While much of the trash is disposed of properly, too much ends up as litter on the side of roads, on sidewalks and ultimately in rivers and oceans. What if, during the week of Earth Day (April 22), you picked up one piece of trash on the sidewalk or litter by the side of the road and disposed of it properly? What if your simple act inspired others to do the same?
That’s the challenge issued by SSM Health this Earth Day. We’re asking municipalities, chambers of commerce and school districts to help us in this worthy cause – and we’re asking you as well.
If the more than 330 million people who live in the U.S. picked up one piece of trash on Earth Day, it would be a big improvement. Better yet, if this became a habit every time we saw something that needed to be disposed of or recycled properly the impact would be even greater.
Reducing litter is directly related to our Franciscan heritage of caring for the earth. It’s also related to health care. Last week (April 7), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a call for comments on how to promote a healthier environment, noting that people in diverse communities often bear the brunt of unhealthy living conditions, which results in increased disease and death.
Beginning Monday, April 18, SSM Health team members will continue to participate in roadside cleanups, recycling events and tree planting across the communities we serve. We encourage those participating to take photos while doing so and connect with us on social media:
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn
- Facebook: @SSMHealth
- Twitter: @SSMHealth
- Instagram: @SSM_Health
- LinkedIn: SSM Health
- Tag us in your posts and photos on social media and use the hashtag #EarthDaySSMHealth and #Beautify(NameOfYourTown)
Won’t you join us?
