First celebrated in 1970 as a nationwide teach-in to raise awareness about the growing environmental crisis, Earth Day has grown to include over 500 million participants across 192 countries. Gaylord Nelson, one of the original organizers, envisioned a decentralized, grassroots effort where each community decided its planned activities and actions. By all accounts, this approach has been a resounding success.
There are many ways you can celebrate Earth Day this year:
- State of the Environment Photo Project – Take a picture any time during the 24 hours of Earth Day then share it on Flickr. For more information, click here.
- Earth Day Play Date on Saturday, April 21, 10 am – 1 pm at The Nature Museum. Get your kids outside to connect with nature!
- The Nature Conservancy is hosting picnics across the US to get folks outside and involved. Although none are scheduled for North Carolina, you can certainly take a couple of hours to plan your own picnic and invite friends and family to join you.
- Write a six word essay about the environment and share it with the EPA.
- Join an ongoing conversation about the environment or start a new one.
- Check out all the places your plastic water bottles go.
- If you are going to be in DC, join the rally on the National Mall.
- And check out “Green Tips” podcasts.
And remember, Earth Day is every day, too. There are many opportunities for you to recycle throughout the building at CSL. Ink and toner cartridges can be dropped off in the computer lab and there are containers and bins throughout the building specifically for cans and bottles, as well as for paper.
~ Julie Morris ~
