In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

One critical concept from my college economics classes particularly struck and stuck with me – the concept of a public good. When everyone “owns” something, few take ownership. Taking care of the earth falls into this category. 

How can one of us make a difference to help our huge home?

Fast forward a few years, from college economics classes to working for Hilton Hotels. Part of the Hilton culture was taking care of the property so that it was always clean and welcoming for our guests. It was clear that this responsibility was part of everyone's job and that we would achieve our goal only by all of us pitching in.

One morning, I was getting dressed for work and, to my dismay, found a decaying pickle in my suit jacket pocket. Ugg. How did a pickle wind up in my pocket?

The previous week, I had been giving a property tour to new hires. There was a lone dill pickle smack in the middle of a hallway. I could not just leave it there. With nothing to put it in and a tour to give, it wound up in my pocket. Who knew such biohazards would be part of that job!

A little gross, but after the disgust, it was a good laugh.

That hotel was incredibly shiny and clean. What else wound up in pockets to keep it that way? Don’t answer!

As I write, it is Earth Day. As far as we know, we only have this one planet, and it is up to each of us individually to sustain it collectively. 

Little things matter. Recycle, reuse, reduce. Take the AC up a few degrees and the heat down a few degrees. Use a refillable water bottle. Join a Don’t Buy Anything group.

It may not seem like much. It adds up.

Please share your commitment to taking care of our home.

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment. 

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)