Earth day began on April 22, 1970. America was in the middle of the Vietnam War and protest was on the

tips of everyone’s tongue. Starting a day dedicated to the Earth was a foreign concept, "Groups that had

been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides,

freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common

values" (Earth Day Network). What began as a gamble became a movement that has lasted over 40 years.

Earth Day has since gone global and initiatives are starting all over the world. Earth Day India, Green

Schools and the Healthy School Act are just some of the programs going on right now. With all of these

new programs there is still a large amount of work to be done at home. According to NationMaster.com

the United States is the leading emitter of carbon dioxide, "the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution

from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers" are all causes of this. Air pollution, acid rain, and the limited fresh

water resources in the west are all other issues the United States is faced with.

These issues become more prevalent during and around Earth Day but should be the focus of our

everyday lives. Following these simple easy ideas will help save our Earth, everyday.

1. Pay attention to packaging. Instead of buying fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic or put in

containers opt for ones that are sold individually. Bring reusable bags to grocery stores to carry all

of your food. Eco‐friendly Jute bags or a USA made organic cotton bag are great options.

2. Buy locally grown food. Going along with the first idea USA made, homegrown fruits and

vegetables are better for the environment. The food did not have to travel far and not as much

energy was used in getting them to your local market. Also try eating at restaurants that serve

locally grown food as well.

3. Do not drink disposable bottled water. The bottles are all filled in one place but then are shippedall over the world. Using reusable bottles are a great alternative. USA made aluminum bottles

are also a great option to be cool and fashionable this spring.

4. Unplug It. Unplug computers, appliances, hair tools, and anything else that uses a plug when they

are not in use. Keeping them plugged in uses unnecessary amounts of energy and makes your bill

go up. Opt for solar power electronics and buy power strips for your home and office.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This phrase may seem over played but the message is still a strong one.

Buy less when you can. Certainly, reuse bags but what about the larger decisions? Ask yourself, "Do I

really need those new clothes or that new car?" And regardless of your decision, recycle anything

that can be recycled.

These are just a few suggestions to making Earth Day every day. Following these steps and slowly adding

more eco‐friendly ideas will help save the environment and promote a better Earth.

WORKS CITED

http://www.earthday.org/earth‐day‐history‐movement

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/env_cur_iss‐environment‐current‐issues

http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumed/tips.html