April 22nd marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin-can i getta woot woot!) to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment.
A lot has happened in those 40 years: the 3 Mile Island nuclear power plant accident, a giant hole in the ozone discovered over the antarctic and the Exxon Valdez 11 million gallon crude oil spill in Alaskan waters. But it wasn't all bad: DDT was banned, leaded gas was phased out, congress passed the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts and the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list.
I think we've come along way since then. We think twice before throwing our soda can into the garbage and look for a recycling bin. People are starting to bring their own reusable grocery bags into the stores. We are buying organic and living healthier. More and more people are becoming aware of their own impact on the environment and actually doing something about it. Here are a few other things you can do to celebrate Earth Day:
Pick 5 for the Environment- The EPA has created a list of 10 easy actions you can take to help protect the environment. All you have to do is pick 5 and commit to them. It's as simple as that.
Join Billion Acts of Green- Make one green resolution and share it to help the Earth Day Network reach their goal.
or volunteer at one of your local Earth Day events.
And remember, every day is Earth Day.
