The celebration of Earth Day began 40 years ago on April 22, 1970. The original concept was to motivate individuals to appreciate the beauty and significance of the Earth’s environment and raise awareness of environmental issues.
Earth Day has since grown into a far-reaching international phenomenon, observed by more than 500 million people in 175 different countries. Through the years, Earth Day has inspired people all over the world not only to respect their natural environment, but to take steps to protect it.
How will you celebrate Earth Day? Here are some simple eco-friendly practices you can adopt today to make the Earth a greener place tomorrow!
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce the amount of “stuff” you throw away by reusing, repurposing or recycling it. Turn old items into craft projects for your kids or donate them to a needy organization. Before tossing something in your recycling bin, check with your local recycling center to determine which items are accepted.
2. Become Energy Efficient. To reduce your energy consumption, turn off the light when you exit a room, run only full loads of dishes and laundry, and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature when you’re not home. These easy steps will not only save the Earth, they’ll save you money, too!
3. Join Your Community. Is your town hosting an Earth Day activity, such as a beach cleanup or green rally? Get involved and be a role model for your friends, family, children and co-workers. Spread the word about environmentally responsible practices and other environmental issues, to keep the spirit of Earth Day going long past April 22!