Earth Day celebrates its 44th anniversary on April 22nd!

Mainstream America probably viewed the very first Earth Day in 1970 as a hippie event that would only appeal to tree-hugger types living in geodesic domes. It’s hard to believe, but just forty years ago in the United States, our natural resources were being polluted and discarded like there was no tomorrow. Much of our wilderness was vanishing and wildlife was becoming endangered or lost forever.

In the 1970’s, the initial surge of environmental awareness was generated by public “teach-ins” that educated citizens about the looming crisis of environmental problems. Over a relatively short period of time the environmental movement gained momentum as citizens across the United States began demanding change from industry and the government. By April 22, 1990, Earth Day achieved a major milestone by becoming a global event that mobilized over 200 million people in 141 countries. The message being sent to world leaders was that immediate action must be taken on global warming and clean energy. Environmental concerns had clearly moved to the center stage of world awareness.

Take Action on Earth Day

The history of Earth Day speaks volumes about how much the world has actually changed for the better – at least in the area of environmental awareness! Remember the “teach-ins?” Earth Day is a great opportunity for families to educate their children about respect and responsibility for the planet. Remember that millions of small efforts from around the world add up to a major contribution.

On Earth Day 2014, make a contribution to our planet with one of the following suggestions:

Plant a Tree

Help Green World Campaign to restore indigenous ecologies and lessen the climate crisis in by planting trees. To learn how you can help Green World carry out its mission, click here.  In addition to planting a tree in your neighborhood, you could donate to The Canopy Project, a worldwide campaign to plant trees that will provide food, energy and income to communities in need of achieving economic and environmental sustainability. To make a commitment to the Canopy Project, click here.

Pledge an Act of Green
The Earth Day Network is encouraging its supporters to pledge 1 billion acts of green. Whether your plan is to plant a tree, clean up a park or commit to another noble green act, let the world know! To add your green act to the count or to find an Earth Day Network event in which to participate, click here.

Plan an Earth Day Dinner
Every holiday has its own special menu, so for Earth Day make sure the food is local, seasonal and organic. Especially if you have been working outdoors on a volunteer project, wrap up Earth Day with a group dinner. For some menu suggestions, a preparation list and more, click here.

Volunteer!
Roll up your sleeves and join fellow Earth Day enthusiasts who are determined to save the planet. Get involved by volunteering your skills and energy to an environmental nonprofit organization in your area. Find an event that allows you to give back to the planet through VolunteerMatch. 

#GlobalSelfie
NASA wants you to participate with a fun social media project. Take a “selfie” and let us know where on Earth are you right now! You can use Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Click here to download NASA’s “selfie” sign for the photograph.