An Earth Worth Fighting For!

With the Earth in peril over countless issues such as pollution, resource depletion, and overpopulation, it is climate change that could be most detrimental. April 22, 2010 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and this year the theme is centered on climate change. The slogan for this year’s Earth Day is, “You Matter. It Works”. This is an effort to show that individual people’s actions are important and helpful to the environment.

People’s life choices greatly affect the rate that climate change occurs. In an attempt to slow this pace Earth Day Network has created a campaign this year for individuals, corporations, and governments that shows their personal commitment to paving the way for a sustainable future. The campaign message is that we can create a healthy and clean energy economy if we put our minds to it and take action.

One creative idea that the Earth Day Network has created to get the youth involved this year is the “Song for the Earth” award. The program is searching for original songs about the environment written and performed by youths ages 18-under. The song can be any genre, and should be three minutes or less. The winner will be awarded the opportunity to perform on the National Mall at the weeklong event for Earth Day.

This Earth Day take action in your own way and know that your individual acts DO help fight for a healthier and more sustainable Earth!

Happy Earth Day!

Today, April 22, is Earth Day. If you're not already living "green", it's not too late to start. Below are some easy tips to get going.

REDUCE

• With rising fuel costs and still prevalent pollution problems, consider carpooling to work. For errands nearby, ride your bike or walk. The exercise will do you good!
• NC is experiencing a significant drought. Reduce your water consumption by turning off the water while washing dishing, shaving and brushing your teeth. And fix any leaks right away.
• Start a garden. Food that you grow yourself does not have to be "processed" or "packaged", and no fossil fuels are needed to get it to the store and then to your house. Saves money too!
  

REUSE

• Plastic grocery bags account for a lot of unnecessary trash in landfills. Buy a reusable shopping bag to take with you. Next time you're asked, "Paper or plastic?", you can say, "No thanks, I have my own." NBC is selling a green grocery bag kit, containing one large and two small bag. Plus, they're 100% organic and machine washable. During Earth Week, April 21st – April 27th, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this bag will go to the Nature Conservancy. To order, visit: click here.
• If you forget your reusable grocery bag, reuse the plastic ones for picking up after Fido - this keeps our water cleaner too!
• Print something in error? Flip the page over, put it back in your printer and use that sheet again.
  

RECYCLE:

• Glass, aluminum, paper and plastic are all recyclable. Better yet, buy a reusable, refillable water bottle instead of wasting plastic.
• Buy "precycled" products such as toilet tissue made out of recycled products.
• Can't wear those favorite jeans anymore? Don't toss 'em - donate them to your favorite charity.

The Earth Day celebration continues with a day of festivities at Wilmington's Hugh McRae park. This year's theme is "Trees Please", featuring live music, good food, environmental information and activities for all ages. Be sure to stop by the Aquarium booth. For more information, click here.

These tips are easy to fit into your lifestyle, while decreasing your "footprint" on this planet. Be sure to practice them every day, not just Earth Day!