Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day!! What are you planning to do today? Do you even know what Earth Day is or what you can do to help? Wikipedia defines Earth Day as it is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in held on April 22, 1970. Earth Day is celebrated in spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Many communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues. The first Earth Week originated in Philadelphia in 1970 (starting April 16 and culminating on Earth Day, April 22.). Earth Day Network, a group that wishes to become the coordinator of Earth Day globally, asserts that Earth Day is now observed on April 22 on virtually every country on Earth. World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5 in a different nation every year, is the principal United Nations environmental observance.

Personally, I think today should not only be about celebrating the Earth but also about making people who are otherwise unaware or unconcerned about the problems facing our planet more involved! Show them what they can do to help. There are many lists and articles about the small things you can do to change your carbon-footprint, but what can you do to help others change their ideas about what is good for the environment? This is a list of small things you can do to help people in your social environment realize what their options are for not only Earth Day but everyday after it as well!

Why not buy a box of recycled printing paper for the office to show your co-workers or even your boss the importance of using recycled products. Wausau PaperExact Eco 100 Copy/Laser Paper, 92 Brightness, 20lb, Letter Size (8.5 x 11), 500 Sheets/Ream (32518)

Show your neighbors how they can make their backyards a great habitat for nature! Try the Backyard Wildlife Habitat DVD. Every backyard can have potential for any outdoor wildlife! It is important to expose yourself to nature. It helps you understand our environment and how important taking care of it is.

If you are student or you know students use this recycled pencil case to hold all the writing implements necessary!! Its simple a simple and inexpensive way to show you care!
Made By Humans, Recycled Plastic Eco Pencil Case, Grey (497) Pencil cases are an excellent way to stay organized. By using a recycled plastic case you can recycle it again when you are finished with it! Try it out!

Why not put a wind turbine in your back yard or even get your neighbors together and see if they all want to participate and in making the community more energy efficient. You can start small and eventually try to go further in your efforts! Energy efficiency is everyones problem!

Do you have many activities you attend or children’s functions you have to go to? Why not show your friends and your families friends that you are always environmentally friendly!! Use the Juice Bag Solar Beach Tote! to pack all of your going out snacks, towels, drinks etc!

Try purchasing organic or fair trade clothing. You can even purchase clothing and accessories that donate to a worthy cause! What you wear has just as much of an impact as recycling does. You can do all the green things you want but what has more impact than your purchasing power! Show your community you are serious about our environment and they should be as well! Green T is an excellent company to get your head start in green clothing purchases.

Are you doing anything special for Earth Day? Have you done anything to help your community or try to help your community get greener? I want to hear all about it! I will post it!! I want to hear all of your feedback good or negative! We can all come up with ideas to help our local and global communities!!