Posted on April 22, 2016 at 8:15 AM by Victoria Mulherin
April 22 is Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the planet's environment and raise public awareness about pollution. The day, marked on April 22, is observed worldwide with rallies, conferences, outdoor activities and service projects. The first Earth Day was in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson. Nelson, after seeing the damage done by a 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, was inspired to organize a national "teach-in" that focused on educating the public about the environment.
Scientists say it’s time we cleaned up our act. What better way to make a positive change than on Earth Day? Here are ways to commemorate the Earth Day, because Mother Nature deserves some appreciation.
- Start a pledge board at work or at school. Use a whiteboard or provide a pad of Post-It’s for people to record their environmental pledges for the year. Ask friends and co-workers to make small changes -- “I won’t leave the water running while I brush my teeth,” or “I will turn the lights off when I leave a room” -- and then to post those pledges for all to see.
- Make a recycling plan. Know what you can and can’t recycle, and start separating out those cans and bottles!
- Plant a tree. Simple, effective and easy.
- Find a carpool service. Taking cars off the road is one of the best ways to combat climate change. Find people in your area with whom to share morning and afternoon commutes.
- Give up bottled water. Bottled water consumes huge amounts of fossil fuels to produce and transport, and most of those recyclable water bottles end up in landfills. Get yourself a refillable and permanent water bottle to carry with you. You’ll save money on the cost of all those water bottles, too!
- Start buying local. Locally grown food is easier on the environment. You’re also supporting local farmers, and they’ll thank you for it!
- Go paperless. Bills come in many forms -- mostly on paper. But many bill-paying services offer an option to pay online. Make a point to go paperless.
- Organize a community cleanup or join in on one. Get a group together to clean up your local park, schoolyard or beach.
- Walk or bike to school and work. It keeps you out of the car, and its great exercise!
Join Burlington County’s Clean Communities for park cleanups on Saturday, April 23! Celebrate Planet Earth by getting outside, connecting with nature and learning something new! This event is suitable for all ages. Sign in begins at 8:45 AM. Collect and inventory litter along the shoreline of the Delaware River.
Date: April 23, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Amico Island Park
Address: 81 Norman Ave, Delran
Contact Phone: 609-499-1001 ext. 266
Contact Email: cleancomm@co.burlington.nj.us