North Carolina.

Whether you call it the Old North State, the Tar Heel State, home, or home away from home, it’s easy to fall in love with this place.

On this celebrated Earth Day 2016, we wanted to push pause and take a moment to reflect on why you (and we) care so much about this state and the people, animals, flora, and fauna, who reside in its waters, on its shores, and atop its terrain.

Protecting our natural resources wasn’t always such a hot-button, partisan issue. Ensuring that our air, land, and water remained pollution-free, vibrant, and healthy was a priority for all local, state, and national leaders. Whether we identify as conservationists, hunters, developers, researchers, elected officials, parents, or tourists, we have a shared interest and a shared responsibility in being stewards of our resources. We have to think about the impacts our actions have on our world today and also look ahead into the ripple effects cascading toward our future.

And what’s even more important to remember: protecting the environment is directly related to protecting the very people of this state. In order to have the quality of life we all deserve, we need strong safeguards for our drinking water; for the air our children and grandchildren inhale while playing tag or soccer at school or at the park; and for the land our farmers till in order to provide us with homegrown sweet potatoes, okra, and collards.

How do we break the current spell of pitting environmental safeguards in conflict with job creation and economic development? The truth is: these are not two mutually-exclusive trains of thought. In order to have a robust, thriving economy, we need to have a healthy workforce, ample natural resources, and an attractive climate for business. It is unfair to label those who advocate for policies that invest in clean, renewable energy and keep dangerous toxins out of our streams and atmosphere as “special interests” groups because these voices are speaking for the interests of all. There is no one on this planet, at least to our knowledge, that can breathe air full of carbon pollution or drink water containing arsenic and mercury and be a-okay.

With North Carolina’s legislative session scheduled to begin on April 25, let’s use this Earth Day to reframe the message. It’s not a choice of “this” or “that.” It’s about investing in a future for North Carolinians to be successful. It’s about protecting our vulnerable populations and those who may not have a voice at the policymaking table. It’s about keeping the integrity of our state’s incredible natural heritage alive and well for present and future generations.

For one of the fastest-growing states in the country, North Carolina has an opportunity to be a leader in preserving what matters in the face of development. We don’t have to sacrifice our lakes and health in order to keep up with the changing landscape. It’s this very landscape that is bringing people and business here in the first place. Our leaders need to recognize that prioritizing protections is a way to be bold and to be thoughtful in an even greater state to come.

Many of you may celebrate Earth Day by volunteering your time and energy to clean up a nearby stream, switch to more energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs, or plant seeds in a community garden. The values and idea of Earth Day extend far beyond April 22nd. And, we hope here in North Carolina, these values take shape in forward-thinking policy that makes us proud to call North Carolina ours.