On April 22, 1970, Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, wanted to organize a nationwide rally that focused on Americans’ growing concerns about environmental issues. His goal was to bring enough attention to such issues as air and water pollution, pesticides, the loss of wild lands and the extinction of species, into the political spotlight, that environmental protection would follow, and it did!
That first Earth Day led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of some the most important environmental legislation in modern times, including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. Forty-six years later, we still celebrate Earth Day on April 22. The times may have changed, but the message remains the same. We all live on the same planet and still need clean water, clean air and a healthy, sustainable environment for ourselves and future generations. But, what if we tried to “celebrate” every day as Earth Day? How can we make a difference in our own lifestyles?
We may not be able to individually stop climate change, or save an endangered species in the rainforest, but we can do our part. There are many simple things we could do throughout our day that can contribute to becoming a good steward of our environment. Here are a few simple tips that we can all follow:
Energy Conservation: Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) for lighting instead of incandescent light bulbs; turn off lights in rooms you’re not using and use more natural light if possible; turn down the heat in your house before going to bed, and while away at work (or use a programmable thermostat); reduce your vehicle trips by carpooling with coworkers, neighbors, friends and family, and by walking more; run the dishwasher, washer and dryer only when you have full loads; turn off your computer at night; unplug your cell phone charger when not using it because it still uses energy when plugged in; and plant a tree or two around your home, which can keep your home cooler in the summer and break some of the cold, winter winds.
Water Conservation: Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth; take shorter showers; install water saving shower/faucet heads; re-use water bottles rather than buying new ones all the time; limit watering your lawn, but if necessary, try to water early in the morning; and plant plants that require less water.
Recycling & Waste Reduction: Bring your own re-useable shopping bags to the grocery store; recycle as many items as you can and try to buy recycled products; use less paper; pack a lunch in a re-useable lunch bag instead of buying lunch in disposable packaging; use a re-useable water bottle; and compost yard waste, grass clippings and leaves.
Biodiversity/Conservation: Plant a tree, shrub or garden; eat more locally grown foods; use less, or no chemicals, on your lawn and in your garden; put up a bird feeder/bird house; volunteer at your local park, nature center or wildlife preserve; and participate in a local stream or beach cleanup.
… And the list goes on and on! There are so many little things we can do each day to help our environment, and by helping our environment, we help ourselves and our children. Don’t let April 22 be the only day you celebrate the earth. Make every day Earth Day!
Rich Wood is Region Manager with the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails and Historic Sites. He has a B.S. in Environmental Education/Interpretation from Penn State and enjoys all things outdoors.
