39th Earth Day Celebrated
By: Debbie Walker Sentinel Writer

Earth Day got its start in 1970 and has developed and grown in the last 30-plus years to be a global event. Groups of all sizes, from single Boy Scout troops to the members of the US Congress, pitch in each year to help clean up rivers, reclaim parks, and educate others on living a green lifestyle.

This years biggest concern: Global Warming.

Earth Day was held across the world April 22nd, 2008. For this years challenge millions of people were asked to : Call for Climate, one of the largest Earth day campaigns in US history. Global warming is our most urgent environmental problems and a solution must be found soon. Call for Climate was a call placed to Capitol Hill on Earth Day with the following demands: A moratorium on new coal burning plants, renewable energy, carbon neutral buildings, and protection for the poor and middle class in the new green economy.

Across the United States Green colonies celebrated with workshops, 4-H clubs, gardening, and sharing knowledge of fuel and green facilities. In Washington, D.C

one of the largest Earth Day gathering in US history gathered on the National Mall and in 7 other cities, 1,000 college campuses and hundreds of community events were held.

"This Earth Day, it's time to change the forecast for global warming," said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network. "Climate change must rise to the top of the national agenda this election year. On April 20th, Americans will be hearing our global warming message and we will be mobilizing support for solutions."

The 2008 Earth Day events also included a voter registration component, especially in low income communities. Studies have shown that minority and low income populations are more impacted by global warming. The solution is a new energy future based on renewable resources that will mean less greenhouse gasses, spur jobs and stimulate the economy.

Earth Day , April 22 each year marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. 1970 in the United States brought with it the Kent State shootings, the advent of fiber optics, "Apollo 13, the Beatles last album , the death of Jimi Hendrix, and the meltdown of fuel rods in the Savannah River nuclear plant near Aiken, South Carolina, an accident not acknowledged for 18 years.

Earth Day founder, Gaylord Nelson, was a Senator in 1970 from the State of Wisconsin. He proposed a first nationwide environmental protest to " shake things up" in the political establishment and force these issues onto the table. Americans took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, and green environment. Rallies were held coast to coast and thousands of colleges and universities organized protests .

Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political bond, enlisting support from both the Republicans and the Democrats, rich or poor, city slickers or farmers, tycoons or labor leaders, to lay down their political agenda and work together for change. People together created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

Schools across the country are participating in "Hands on Earth Day", a program to promote greening as the global global issues of climate change and energy conservation become more urgent. Schools were treated to a "green makeover" and greening projects included: energy audits, refurbishment of existing buildings, installation of energy efficient products, bike racks and recycling containers, as well as the creations of gardens, ecomurals and new outdoor classroom spaces.

Here are some ideas for "Going Green" :

Buy organic fruits and vegetables, produce grown locally and reduce your weekly amount of meat .

Compost all grass clippings and food waste.

Have a garden! Its fun, saves you money and you'll be healthier.

Plant a tree every year.

Turn off your computer when not in use. Its a smart way to reduce carbon dioxide

emissions and help fight against the effects of climate change. In fact if you leave your computer on 24 hours a day you could be responsible for releasing 1,200 pounds of C02 into the atmosphere per year. Go to climateprediction. net to see how to have your computer on 24's a day and save the atmosphere.

Buy USED! Go to garage sales, book stores for used books, used records stores for CD's and used clothing stores.

Green your household products . Use less store bought products to clean with, and make your own Vinegar, baking soda, and hot water make a great cleanser. Corn starch can be used to clean windows, and shampoo carpets and rugs. Reduce the amount of paper products you bring into your home. Use dish cloths, sponges and cloth napkins you can launder. Use real dishes and glasses, reducing the amount of paper products and you'll spend less.

"Reel " Mow your yard! If you have a small to medium yard invest in a reel mower. An engine mower emits as much air pollution in 1 hour as a 100-mile car trip. Besides it can burn up to 400-500 calories per hour.

Switch off your regular wattage light bulbs to CFL's , energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Keep Bees! Having several bee hives help promote the pollination of our flowers and trees, as well as maybe getting some honey.

The list can go on and on. But whatever you decide to do to offset your carbon foot print on this earth, by all means do it! To see more on how you can get green go to The Nature Conservancy, and enjoy the planet we live on so your next generation can too.

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