Hundreds Walk For a Secure Future to Save Soil along Boston’s Charles River

On this past bright and sunny Fathers Day weekend of June 18-19th, over 16,000 people from all walks of life joined together in over sixty cities across North and South America to walk for Soil! Walkers of every age and background, enjoy a 3 to 5-mile stroll to create awareness of a silently brewing crisis: soil degradation. 

Mayors, State Officials, local physicians, business CEOs, and musicians were there to flag off the event. At the Boston Save Soil Walkathon, Representative Lydia Crafts from the 90th District in Maine traveled to Cambridge to flag off the event for Save Soil Walkathon participants. In a warm-spirited welcome Representative Crafts offered the following inspiring words:

Healthy soil is fundamental to a healthy future, both here in New England and around the world. 

It is a precious resource that sustains our planet’s diversity of plant, animal, and human life, maintaining the delicate balance and well-being of our ecosystems. It plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and it ensures the availability of the nutritious food and clean drinking water that our communities depend on. 

But despite its importance, our soil is suffering as a direct result of human activity – and everything that depends on healthy soil for survival is at risk…..

While these challenges ahead of us are steep, I am optimistic that we can accomplish positive change by working together to elevate awareness about this issue in our communities, and I am encouraged by everyone who is here today to show their support….

Our children, grandchildren, and future generations across the world are depending on us to act, and it is up to us to meet this moment head-on, and with them in mind. 

Many local businesses, associations, museums, restaurants, and health-food stores partnered with the Save Soil movement to bring a spotlight on the significance of soil to the local community. Partners of the Save Soil Walkathon in Boston included Gopal Farm, Green Cambridge, and Black Earth Compost.

All food comes from a single source: the soil. Frequently likened to a thin layer of skin covering the earth, soil contains an ecosystem of innumerable species that anchor all life on the planet. Simply put, without soil, growing food for human consumption would be impossible. 

However, over the past 150 years, more than half of all planetary soil has been lost. Currently, 50% of U.S. soil and 75% of European soil lacks sufficient organic content. It is predicted by scientists that by 2045, the world's population will grow to 9.3 billion people, yet the world will produce 40% less food than it is producing now. 

Save Soil, an initiative launched by the global leader and visionary Sadhguru is a worldwide effort to reach and educate over 3.5 billion people around the globe, by rallying citizen support and advocating policies that support soil health. 

The support that this movement has received worldwide has been overwhelming. Sadhguru now has comprehensive documents to support policy changes for 193 nations. The movement has reached over 3 billion people and over 74 nations have offered their support for policy changes. The movement is also supported by global institutions such as UN Climate Change, UNESCO, World Food Programme, and Food Agriculture Organization.

Participants came from all over New England and from as far away as mid-coast Maine and upstate Vermont to attend the Walkathon in Cambridge, MA. Those who came had traveled the distance to express their concern for soil health and their desire to help create awareness and effect positive change in this direction. The event was characterized with a celebratory mood as participants danced together and chanted the refrain “Save Soil, Let’s Make it Happen!” both before the walk and upon its culmination. Volunteers shared soil information with attendees on multiple colorful visual displays. They also presented creative activities for children and families, adding to the festive atmosphere. When it came time to disperse, there was a reluctance of all to leave. They had created a space with a wonderful ambiance together, generated by their shared love of the soil and their determination to continue this effort until soil health is safeguarded for generations to come.

The approach of this movement has been unique in that it fosters involvement through inclusiveness, joy, and inspiration. By mobilizing people now, change is possible and we can make it happen by coming together as one voice. Visit savesoil.org to learn more. 

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