Our Power, Our Planet
A little bird balancing on top of a tree looking into the distance.
Canada 2025
The theme for Earth Day 2025 - Our Power, Our Planet - feels more relevant than ever. Right now, it feels like the Earth is fighting for its life. Our public lands are under constant threat, often at the hands of greed and short-sightedness.
Nature has given us everything. And yet, we take from it without a second thought, as if it exists solely for our use. It’s time we shift our mindset. It’s time to give back.
This year, more than ever, we must stand up and protect the places we love. Yes, the Earth is resilient, it has survived fires, floods, storms, the ice age, but that does not absolve us of our responsibility. The planet may outlive us, but it is still ours to protect.
Nature is more than beautiful scenery. It’s where we go to recharge, to breathe, to reconnect with ourselves. We are not separate from nature, we are part of it, shaped by it. Side note, going out into nature helps me when I have terrible tension headaches or migraines.
So, what if we saw the Earth not just as a resource, but as a teacher?
I came across a quote from Pope Francis that captures this beautifully:
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is … Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.’
Fern growing out of a tree trunk covered in moss
Canada 2025
Look at the forest: it never takes more than it gives. Fallen leaves nourish the soil. Dead trees become shelter for insects, birds and bees. The salmon left behind by bears fees the forest, fertilizing the ground and supporting new life. Everything is connected. Everything gives back.
This is the natural rhythm we’ve lost.
We cannot keep extracting without restoring. Conscious consumption - buying less, choosing wisely, thinking long term - should be our way of honoring the wisdom nature has always known.
Watch this documentary on Netflix: Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy
Our insatiable desire to take, to profit, blinds us to what we are destroying, and for what? To what end?
Yes, it can feel overwhelming. But we all have the power. We can all take small, meaningful steps:
Buy secondhand instead of fast fashion; extend the life of clothing and keep it out of landfills.
We as photographers, need to respect the landscapes we shoot. Learn about the ecosystems we step into, and share that knowledge with others.
Use our voices. Contact your senators. Demand they protect our public lands and the wild spaces we love.
This Earth Day, I hope we take a moment to reflect and to act. Because this planet is not just our home. It is our healer and our shared responsibility.
Happy Earth Day 2025!
New life: Moss, and new plants growing out of a fallen tree. A spider finding it’s way in this new home
Connecticut 2024
