Not only is this day April Fools', but it is also National Fossil “Fools” day, basically calling fossil fuels “fools”, since they destroy our environment in a multitude of different ways. Fossil fuels, most commonly coal, oil, and natural gas, are non-renewable resources, meaning they can and-- at expected rates-- will be depleted. These fossil fuels have been what has powered much of our world since the 1700s, whether it be for producing heat, electricity or powering engines. According to the EESI (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) fossil fuels currently support 80 percent of the world's energy. 

Not only are fossil fuels non-renewable and require a lot of thought to sustain them, but they also are extremely harmful to our environment--causing an immense amount of pollution.  In 2021, the United States released 1,551 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is an issue. As Melissa Denchak with the NRDC explains, “Carbon emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to climate change.” Denchak also stated that, in the United States, “the burning of fossil fuels, particularly for the power and transportation sectors, accounts for about three-quarters of our carbon emissions.” Not only is carbon dioxide released, but also pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury are released, too. 

Many scientists make it their goal to find ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels but, for regular citizens, it may seem hard. Though it may not seem like much, simply choosing to carpool more often or switching your home's electricity to a renewable resource, such as solar or wind power can be helpful; both can be a way regular citizens can contribute to the clean-up of fossil fuel emissions and the restoration of a brighter future for Earth. 

On April 1, think about the ways you may be contributing to excess pollution: Are there ways you can improve, or parts of your everyday life you can change to bring about a healthier planet?

It would be dishonest for anyone to say that they have never held a grudge or got off on the wrong foot with another person, as it is human nature. We have all had it happen at least once. However, one thing that can be honestly said is: not many people take the time to reconcile, to say sorry and bring peace back to the situation; something the world definitely needs more of is honest reconciliation. 

Firstly, the dictionary definition of reconciliation contains two ideas: the restoration of friendly relations and the action of making one view or belief compatible with another. In other words, reconciliation really is the honest act of forgiveness and the process of working issues out to restore peace in a relationship. We have all had fights, whether it be in a relationship with a significant other, a friend or even a teacher in some cases. 

Think about it: in how many of these fights have we let our grudges take over, leaving these grudges still in control to this day? There is most likely at least someone in your life whom you have had a disagreement with, big or small, that could use some honest reconciliation in the situation. Well, Apr. 2 is perfect for that, because it is National Reconciliation Day. 

With reconciliation, both persons in the situation must work to forgive one another. Otherwise, there is no way of smoothing over issues and getting to the ultimate goal of peace. Positive Psychology wrote on the topic of forgiveness and listed five main benefits of doing so, such as: forgiveness reduces negative mental effects like depression and promotes positive mentality in return and it provides freedom and healing for individuals along with healing relationships with others. Once forgiveness is present, then the process of reconciliation can begin and, with that, healing and happiness also become present. 

Remember to be kind and forgive one another as you go about your April. Is there someone you can bring forgiveness to?

In modern times, our phones allow for perfect speakers, radios, music players, and music recorders, but what did people in the 1960s use? An eight-track tape is what! 

Eight-track tapes used magnetic tape sound recording technology for audio storage and playing music, and they were used from the 1960s to the 1980s to allow people to play music in their cars and homes. Ford released their 1966 car with a way to play music from Eight-track Tapes, which-- before CDs and cassette tapes, or Bluetooth-- was a huge hit. Curatorial Director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Howard Kramer, said in an interview with NPR, “It gave people mobility for their music collections.” He also added that it allowed people to ”be able to listen to just what you want and not twist around on the AM dial trying to find music.” The Eight-track Tape was a huge step in the music industry, though it is sadly primarily forgotten. 

Today, we see plenty of “vintage” forms of music returning to popularity, such as vinyl records. Will the Eight-track Tape be one to make a comeback, as well?  Unfortunately for the Eight-track tapes, their fame was replaced in the 80s by the emergence of cassette tapes. Despite the downfall of the Eight-track Tape, its creation and popularity through the two decades in which it soared ultimately took the spotlight and led to how people listen to music today. And so, it is safe to say their retro legacy still quietly exists today. 

On April 11, think about how you listen to music and admire the previous inventions it took to get you there.