Happy Earth Day {{first name | my friend}},

Today we’re sharing the history of this holiday, a (slightly embarrassing) music video I created for it, and a Deep Dive on some teachable moments from a recent blackout.

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U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson created the very first Earth Day in 1970, after witnessing the horrible impacts of the 4.2M gallons of oil spilled along California’s pristine coast in 1969. “For twenty years, I have been trying to convince politicians that there was a rapidly growing interest, that it is a critically important issue, and, that they should address themselves to it,” he stated in a letter to the media in 1971. 

“My objective was to have a massive nationwide demonstration to show the politicians of the country that there was a genuine grass roots, deeply-felt interest in the issue that crossed all political lines and all age groups,” Senator Nelson said.

Earth Day holds deep meaning for me personally, because nature isn’t separate from our lives. We are nature. For everything Mother Earth provides for us, respecting her requires small “baby step” actions every day. We can all contribute daily, even in the simplest of ways like picking up litter on a walk or remembering to put our reusable bags back in the car for the grocery store. 😉

In uncertain times, we should not be too cynical to celebrate Earth Day! Start with your own home and neighborhood. Be the change you wish to see. Take the pledge to go without pesticides, plant a tree, or join a clean up event. For more Earth Day inspiration, check out this map of events happening around the world. Hit reply and tell me how you plan to honor Earth Day? 🌎

Did you know? Before becoming a writer and filmmaker, my activism started in music.

I even wrote a song called ‘Earth Day’. I hope you play it today. Available where all music is streamed, or check out the music video here (it’s absurd, and no budget, and from many years ago, so don’t make too much fun of me when you see it):

This Earth Day, I’m partnering with Purity Coffee, a brand that’s rethinking coffee from the ground up.

Their beans are grown using regenerative farming practices that help restore soil health, support biodiversity, and protect the future of coffee. Even better, every batch is third-party lab tested for contaminants and roasted to optimize beneficial compounds.

It’s one of those rare finds that’s truly good for you and good for the planet.

Enjoy 30% off your first order from April 22–24 and taste the difference for yourself.

TRY PURITY HERE <<<

GLYCINE: A simple amino acid that supports detoxification, collagen formation, and restful sleep. It also acts as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. Top 7 benefits of glycine HERE.

A couple weeks ago, my wife Riana and I were each working on our computers when a wind storm caused our area to suddenly lose power. In a blink, every electronic (including the screen we’re staring at) goes instantly dark. And at first, you’re of course annoyed. “What an inconvenience.” No Wi-Fi. No lights. No immediate way to “do” anything. We’re at the mercy of the power companies finding the cause and fixing it.

But after the initial frustration, something subtle began to shift...if you allow it. Without planning it, my wife and I were invited into a slower rhythm.

And after several hours of not knowing “Will this last days?” – in Montana you never know – we start to realize this is an opportunity.

I wanted to share these 7 power reflections that I had about our dependency on technology and the unexpected beauties that emerged when electricity is shut off…

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