istock_000006129969xsmallEarth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970. The inaugural event was promoted by Senator Gaylor Nelson, who had called upon students to fight for environmental causes with the same energy that they had displayed in opposing the Vietnam War.

Earth Day was the precursor of the largest grassroots environmental movement in US history. The newfound focus on protecting the environment resulted in the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, and was the impetus for national legislation such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

By the twentieth anniversary of the original event, more that 200 million people in 141 countries had participated in Earth Day Celebrations.

Earth Day 2009: The Green Generation

April 22, 2009 will mark the beginning of the Green Generation Campaign. This two-year initiative will culminate with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for the new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day 2009 must be a day of action and civic participation similar to that of the original Earth Day Event nearly 40 years ago.

The Green Generation Campaign seeks to promote the following core principles:

  • A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuels, including coal.
  • An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption.
  • Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and transports the global education system into a green one.

What can I do NOW to reduce my ECO-FOOTPRINT?
The environmental problems currently facing the world are enormous. But each of use has the power through our daily decisions and lifestyle choices to make our homes and communities healthier, and create more beautiful places to live and work both now and in the future.

Your Home:

  • Change your light bulbs to highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) that last longer, produce more light, and use 1/3 the energy of regular bulbs.42% of household energy costs go to heating and cooling.
  • Replace older heating and cooling systems with new efficient models. Tune up your heating system, clean vents, close unused vents, and change filters.
  • Buy a programmable thermostat, make sure windows and doors are sealed.

Use ceiling fans: they require 80% less energy to operate than air conditioning.

Your Food:

  • Go organic: When chemical pesticides are used to kill pests, they can also kill microorganisms that keep carbon contained in the soil. When these are gone, carbon is released into the atmosphere as CO2, the soil is no longer naturally fertile and chemical fertilizers become a necessity.
  • Eat locally grown food. If the food doesn’t have to travel far, there is less CO2 from the trucks that ship it. Eating fruits and vegetables in season saves enormous transportation costs. Better yet, plant your own vegetable garden!

Your Car:

  • Drive less: leaving your car home 2 days per week reduces your CO2 emissions by 1590 pounds per year. Each gallon of fuel releases 20 pounds of CO2 into the air.
  • Drive differently: Slow down – don’t race your engine. Turn off your car if you expect to idle for more than 30 seconds.
  • Don’t Drive at all: Telecommute, use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk when possible.
  • Drive Smart: Getting a tune up will improve fuel efficiency by as much as 10-20%.

Your Stuff:

  • Buy recycled: It takes less energy to manufacture a recycled product than a brand new one. Check to see if the packaging can be recycled. Recycled paper requires 64% less energy than making paper form virgin wood, recycled cans takes 90% less energy than new one.
  • Buy in bulk or concentrates: less packaging = less energy. Each person throws away approximately 4 pounds of garbage per day, much of it unnecessary packaging materials.
  • Be a minimalist: Buy less. Every time you buy something, energy has gone into getting that product to you. Buying less things, some of which you just don’t need, changes the energy equation across the board.
  • Donate clothing and other items you don’t need. Make it a rule to donate one item for each new item you purchase.