Commissioner's Column: Earth Day is April 22 – and it's every day

April 22 is Earth Day, a special day for us at NHDES, but honestly, we think Earth Day is Every Day … or Every Day is Earth Day? I sometimes get it confused! The point is this message rings true for everyone that gets up in the morning and comes to work at NHDES, and we believe that it should be that way for everyone else, too. 

If you haven’t embraced the idea that Earth Day is Every Day, then I encourage you to stop and think about what Earth Day means to you. Every year as Earth Day approaches, I cannot help but think about New Hampshire’s unmatched natural beauty. From our majestic mountains in the North, to our beautiful lakes and rivers, to the sandy beaches along our Seacoast, our natural resources are a true treasure. Ask yourself: What can I do to ensure that these natural resources are restored, protected and guaranteed in the future for me and future generations? 

If you are looking for more tangible inspiration, you might consider attending Discover WILD New Hampshire Day at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s headquarters in Concord on April 20. This event is one of the largest free family events in the state, and it highlights the many ways New Hampshire residents and visitors can enjoy, and protect, the state’s resources. As has been the case for more than 20 years, a large contingent of NHDES staff and programs will be there providing information and hands-on-activities for the whole family, and we’d love to see you there! Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is hosted by Fish and Game and sponsored in part by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. 

Hopefully, the event will provide you with a few ideas on how you can start to live the mantra "Earth Day is Every Day." If you find yourself looking for more ideas, sign up to get some of NHDES’ electronic newsletters, such as this Environmental News newsletter or our monthly bulletin GREENWorks, which provides useful tips, tricks and other ideas for a cleaner environment. And you can explore our news blog for past articles as well. 

If you happen to find inspiration this Earth Day, please share it with us on Facebook or Instagram by tagging @NHEnvironmentalServices and using the hashtag #EarthDayEveryDay.