50 Years of Earth Day
THIS YEAR BEGAN with “roaring 20s” parties popping up to celebrate the new year, or decade (depending on how you count). It continued with the Kansas City Chiefs returning to win the Superbowl after nearly a half century. In 2020, what’s “old” has become “new” again, whether it’s ideas, trends or even our “stuff.” I’m noticing with the spring buds making our world literally greener that our consciousness is becoming “greener” right along with it. The environmental movement goes back to the post-WWII period with the first legislation passed to regulate pollution. Fast forward to 2020, and on April 22, we’ll celebrate 50 years of Earth Day. So this issue is all about going a little greener in our everyday living. Our feature story is dedicated to local entrepreneurs upcycling what’s old into new. With a growing awareness of the effects of fast fashion and a resurgence of minimalism, check out the ways “trash” becomes treasure (page 8). We’ve also added a guide to local second-hand shopping (page 32). Part of why we want a greener planet is to enjoy the outdoors, so we explored the greenspaces of Oakhurst with some of the best patios in the South (page 18). In Bloom gives us advice for our personal greenspaces with native plants we can incorporate (page 14). Our hometown hero protects a greenspace we all know and love, Olmsted Linear Park (page 36). And our contributors share how they like to enjoy the outdoors with their personal favorite intown greenspace (page 6). It’s an exciting time to be alive and realize that our personal health is so intertwined with our planet’s health. I’m grateful some eco experts shared their advice for one thing we can all do in Decatur (page 30). Every little step counts, I hope you’re inspired to walka greener path with me.
Natalie Gregory
