by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
It can be as simple as policing your surrounding area, making sure trash and other leftover stuff like empty soda cans or water bottles find designated garbage or recycle spots.
For some, the concept means a bit more like partnering with active local, regional or national groups and taking part in events and rallies, maybe even working to help push through new environmental legislation to safeguard areas like wetlands and sensitive beach landscapes.
And for all those who participate, everything culminates each April 22 for Earth Day.
The whole thing began back in 1970, when an estimated 20 million people took to the streets in protest of everything bad happening in the environment. It was also the culmination of weeks of work by Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin Senator, as well as a graduate student named Denis Hayes. Both were moved to action following a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.
Following this first Earth Day, things did begin to change. Laws emerged to help protect our environment, and the Environmental Protection Agency was formed.
This year, Monday's Earth Day marks its 54th incarnation, and the event now annually brings together over a billion people in 190 countries who take part in educational, public policy and activism campaigns.
This year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics, a commitment to call for the end of plastics for the sake of human and planetary health. And the proposed goal is to reduce the production of plastics by 60% in 2040 and ultimately build a plastic-free future.
"Our world needs transformational change. It’s time for the world to hold sectors accountable for their role in our environmental crisis while also calling for bold, creative, and innovative solutions," said earthday.org. "This will require action at all levels, from business and investment to city and national government."
The off-road community, no matter if it’s Jeep enthusiasts, Ford, Toyota, Chevy, or whatever, can also play a huge role in environmental protection. Off-roaders are avid users and supporters of all types of outdoor activities, which may be a day on the trails, a scenic afternoon drive, or camping out for the weekend. But the way off-roaders interact with the environment – the way they leave it when the weekend or trip is over – defines them as individuals as well as off-roaders.
At Quadratec, we enjoy spending time off-road as well, and try to do our part every time we step outside. Whether it is a small gesture like picking up a piece of trash or can we see along the trail, or making sure all our Jeeps’ tires are aired up properly for maximum fuel efficiency — all the way to our efforts with Tread Lightly! and local off-road parks such as Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area — our goal is to seize the initiative and change our world for the better.
Recently, we just completed our 50-for-50 Trail Improvement Initiative, where we partnered with Tread Lightly! to help fund one trail or public land improvement event in each state. This two-year project saw hundreds of volunteers put in over 7,500 hours completing projects that resulted in over 125,000 pounds of trash removed, as well as improving more than 907 miles of trail.
And it wasn’t just trash, either. Many projects rebuilt fencing, installed educational signage and restored important historical areas.
Tread Lightly!, a not-for-profit national organization dedicated to protecting the great outdoors, provides a great example to follow for anyone who is interested in taking their vehicle off road. The company's philosophy includes:
- Travel Responsibly on land by staying on designated roads, trails and area. Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trails. Cross streams only at designated fords. when possible, avoid wet, muddy trails. On water, stay on designated waterways and launch your watercraft in designated areas.
- Respect the Rights of Others including private property owners, all recreational trail users, campers and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Leave gates as you found them. Yield right of way to those passing you or going uphill. On water, respect anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers and those on or near shore.
- Educate Yourself prior to your trip by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies. Plan for your trip, take recreation skills classes and know how to operate your equipment safely.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas on land such as meadows, lake shores, wetlands and streams. Stay on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitats and sensitive soils from damage. Don’t disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites. On water, avoid operating your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds.
- Do Your Part by modeling appropriate behavior, leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species and repairing degraded areas.
Besides our ’50-for-50’ Trail Restoration Initiative, we’ve also spent time during each Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah with Tread Lightly! on important trail restoration projects. Some of those include signage and fencing installation on Hells Revenge, Hey Joe Canyon, Poison Spyder and Kane Creek.
Even if you are not currently involved with trail assistance programs or environmental action, there are several things you can still do to help keep Earth Day relevant all year, while assisting the environment at the same time. Things like growing your own food, striving to go paperless, planting a tree, carpooling – even drinking less bottled water to cut down on plastic waste – are all great ways to keep the spirit of Earth Day going throughout the year.
For those interested in helping out, check your local Jeep club or off-road park as they often schedule trail cleanup events that you can join. Also, consider donating to Tread Lightly! as every dollar helps them better accomplish their mission.
Recommended Reading:
Quadratec, Tread Lightly! ’50-For-50’ Public Land Cleanup — Maggie Valley, North Carolina
