What began 40 years ago continues to inspire the masses. Earth Day is a vehicle to increase awareness—and a call to action—of what must be done to protect and preserve our planet. Founded by then-Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day was born to urge legislators and policy-makers to add environmental concerns to the national agenda. The movement became global in 1990, with the United Nations Earth Summit (the first one in Rio de Janeiro) serving as a springboard for the leaders of many nations to meet and discuss issues affecting the earth. To this day, the celebration remains steadfast in its drive to promote global dialogue in the areas of climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability. You can show your support and take part in this year’s activities by logging on to these websites:
Earth Day Network
The website is a place for activists to connect, organize, and post Earth Day-related programs. www.earthday.net/earthday2010
My Earth Hour
With one small request—turning off your lights for an hour—My Earth Hour is able to prove that positive change can be had when people work together. www.myearthhour.org
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Contains a thorough list of Earth Day activities for each state in the U.S. www.epa.gov/earthday