Earth Day is coming. And what we do with one day of attention.

Earth Day is April 22nd. I'm writing this two weeks before it because I want to say something about Earth Day that is slightly different from what Earth Day usually produces, which is: a surge of attention, some coverage, several very sincere commitments, and then the following day.

I work in fashion. My industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and substantial water usage. I know the statistics. I also know the pattern of Earth Day in my industry: the sustainable capsule collection, the recycled materials announcement, the brand commitment to carbon neutrality by a year that is still distant enough to be theoretical.

I do not say this to be cynical. I say this because I think understanding the gap between the attention and the routine is essential, and it's something children can be taught to see.

My daughter asked me this week what I'm doing for Earth Day. I said: the same thing I do every week. She said: what's that? I said: I walk to work instead of taking the subway two mornings a week. I bought things from fewer brands this year than last. I've been eating less meat on weekdays.

She said: 'That doesn't sound very Earth Day.'

I said: that's because it's not Earth Day. It's Tuesday. And Wednesday. And the Tuesday before that.