Earth Day was born after founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, witnessed the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda.
The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day and raise your environmental consciousness by taking part in local organized events or creating your own event.
Here are some ideas:
- Make a bird house: Use recycled products and you will be providing shelter for wildlife and
reducing landfill materials. - Plant a Tree: It will help clean the air and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Pick up Liter: Pick up one piece of trash every day for a year and there would be 365 less pieces of liter, now if 1,000, 10,000, 100,000 people did the same; collectively we could make a real impact on the liter problem.
- Microwave you Dinner: Microwaves use less energy than the stove and for a bonus; heat your meal in a reusable container.
- Leave the car at home: Save money, conserve energy, and reduce air pollution.
- Be Dirty: An average tub holds 40 gallons of water while a 5 minute shower uses 15 gallons. Skip the bath and conserve water.
- Visit a Landfill, Recycling Center, or Water Treatment Plant: Not only will you gain a better understanding of how these processes work, but you will be better informed to make responsible decisions on ways you can recycle, reuse, and conserve.
- Start Composting: It takes 500 – 1000 years to create an inch of soil. Use egg shells, carrot peels,
and other food waste to create soil for the Earth. - Make a Donation: Help support a green organization such as the Sierra Club, Green Peace, The Nature Conservancy, or even your local lake association.
- Start a garden: Gardening is a great way to get outside and get some physical activity, it also provides an inexpensive and healthy food source.
- Choose to go green: Make a conscious decision to turn off the water while brushing your teeth or to recycle general purpose and alkaline batteries. Everyday actions can make an impact on the environment.