Part Three of a Three-Part Series on Sustainability 

“Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us.”  

As Earth Day arrives, Carl Sagan’s famous reflection from his 1994 book Pale Blue Dot, reminds us of a simple truth: Earth is a tiny speck in an unimaginably vast universe, and the only home we have.  And with that perspective comes responsibility: to care for it, protect it, and sustain it for future generations. 

This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” reinforces that message – highlighting how the future of our environment depends on the choices each of us makes every day. 

Each year on Earth Day, we celebrate this pale blue dot beneath our feet. More importantly, it’s a moment to reflect on how each of us can take meaningful action to support the health of our planet and all who call it home. 

Here in the Adirondacks and Catskills, that responsibility feels especially close to home. Changing winters are not an abstract idea – they are something we see and experience each year. 

The Power of One 

Just ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the Lake Placid Olympic Museum unveiled a permanent new exhibit exploring the future of winter – both as a sport and a way of life. 

The exhibit is a simple but powerful idea: “The Power of One.” It tells the story of how the future of winter depends on what we do today. It reminds us that individual actions, taken consistently, can make a real difference.  

Earth Day in Action 

Living in mountain communities like the Adirondacks and Catskills means we don’t just observe environmental change – we experience it. For those who love skiing, snowboarding, skating, or simply snowy winters, the impact is personal. 

The good news? Our actions matter. For those who love skiing, snowboarding, skating, or just snowy winters, each of us has the power to make a real impact:  

Get Outside  

Spend time in the environment you want to protect.  

      • Go for a hike, ski, or walk  
      • Bring a bag to pick up litter along the way 

Even a little cleanup work makes a visible and lasting impact. 

Protect Winter, Personally 

Everyday choices impact our climate. Consider: 

      • Turning down your heat a degree or two 
      • Weatherproofing windows and doors 
      • Switching to LED lighting and turning out lights when you can 
      • Choosing durable, sustainable winter gear when possible  
      • Supporting organizations investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency 

Rethink Transportation – Even for a Day 

Try going car-free, even once a week: 

      • Walk or bike around town  
      • Carpool to the mountain, to events, or other times you need to travel 

Even minor changes directly cut emissions. 

Make One Better Choice 

“The Power of One” can be as simple as: 

      • Swap single use plastics with reusable alternatives 
      • Buy locally sourced foods to reduce transportation emissions 
      • Avoid single-use plastics for the day  
      • Wash full loads of laundry to make the most of each cycle 
      • Air-dry clothes when possible 

One conscious decision often becomes a lasting habit. 

Respect Mountain Environments 

Learn about and follow “Leave No Trace” principles: 

      • Stay on designated trails to protect fragile alpine ecosystems  
      • Walk through mud, not around it, to protect the forest floor 
      • Pack out everything you bring in – wrappers, food scraps (even biodegradable ones), and toilet paper (use a dedicated ‘smelly’ bag) 
      • Join or organize trail cleanups 

Support Climate Advocacy  

Our athletes, parents, winter sport enthusiasts, and the people of communities have strong voices: 

      • Follow and support groups working to protect winter 
      • Share your experiences with changing seasons 
      • Encourage others to adopt more sustainable practices 

Learn & Share 

Visit places like the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and reflect on how climate affects your community. Then, talk about it. Awareness spreads through conversations. 

Share this article and our other sustainability articles on social media: 

Help younger generations connect with nature: 

      • Take nature walks or go on a picnic 
      • Start a mini garden at home 
      • Do craft projects using recycled materials 
      • Talk about wildlife, plants, and sustainability 

Beyond One Day 

Earth Day may only come once a year, but its impact depends on what happens afterward. Committing to even one lasting change – composting, reducing waste, or volunteering locally – can extend that impact year-round. 

Around the world, winter is changing. That’s undeniable. Because our communities thrive on winter sport and recreation, the Olympic Authority is committed to taking action to preserve our winters and build a more sustainable future.  

For every one of us who lives in our communities, trains here, and plays here, the changes in our climate are not abstract concepts. It’s personal.  

Protecting winter is protecting our way of life. 

Earth Day is a reminder that while our planet may seem vast, our role in caring for it is an individual responsibility. Small actions, repeated over time, create real change. 

Because on this pale blue dot, the future isn’t decided all at once. It’s shaped by the choices each of us makes every day.