March-2006 Issue

Celebrate Earth Day’s 36th Anniversary

Starting as a national day of environmental recognition, Earth Day has evolved into a worldwide campaign to protect our environment. Twenty million people celebrated the first observed Earth Day on April 22, 1970. It is estimated that currently more than a half billion people worldwide participate in Earth Day Celebrations. It is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create a new vision to increase environmental awareness.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Earth Day by protecting the environment:

• Reduce consumption
• Recycle at home and work
• Reuse items
• Use water wisely through Xeriscaping and water-saving devices
• Maintain your vehicle to reduce air pollution
• Use a mulching mower and leave your grass clippings on your lawn
• Compost your yard trimmings and vegetable scraps
• Buy recycled-content products
• Conserve energy at home and work
• Use less-toxic alternatives to household cleaners and pesticides
• Carpool and combine trips or use public transportation
• Prevent waste and chemicals from going into storm drains and polluting our waterways
• Buy energy efficient appliances, home electronics, and heating and air conditioners with an Energy Star label

For more information or help in planning your Earth Day event or for more tips, visit www.earthday.gov.

This article provided by TCEQ’s News You Can Use publication.

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