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Earth Day is April 22

Posted by North Shore Health Department on April 16, 2009

Environmental Health

Earth Day is April 22 and everyone should take a moment to appreciate what we have and think what we can do to help protect it.  It should be clear that human health is directly related to the health of the planet and we all share responsibility for our planet.  Even small actions by individuals will add up to make a difference.  After all, can anyone imagine what life would be like without clean air, clean water, no source of energy, not enough food, or an environment free from toxins? 

Earth Day was started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and the first event was held on April 22, 1970.  Senator Nelson wanted to spotlight environmental issues in the political process and wanted to create more public awareness about the need to protect the environment.  He obviously was a man of great vision and could see that we could not continue to neglect and abuse our planet without serious negative effects.  Just open any newspaper and you will likely find some news on climate change, polluted air and water affecting our health, dangerous chemicals in our environment, and so on.  There is need for much improvement.

We should be thankful to Senator Nelson and we can honor his memory and dream by doing our part to help protect our planet.  Celebrate Earth Day and commit to changing behaviors that are harmful to the environment.  Help your families and friends become more aware of the challenges facing our planet and encourage them to also take positive action.  Everyone can do something to help make a difference.  Use Earth Day to restore and give back to your community.  Some simple things you can do: 

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle -- pay attention to product packaging and be less wasteful
• Switch to fluorescent light bulbs
• Do not flush old medicines down the toilet
• Keep your home cooler in winter and warmer in summer
• Walk and bike more -- drive less
• Do not buy bottled water
• Start a rain garden and use a rain barrel
• Compost yard waste
• Take shorter showers
• Insulate your home, water heater, and pipes
• Shop at local farmer's markets
• Calculate your "carbon footprint" to see how your actions affect the planet

Visit these websites to learn more about Earth Day and the importance of respecting our planet: http://www.earthday.gov       http://www.earthday.net

http://www.sierraclub.org/earthday/       http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/earth/makeadifference.htm       http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/individual.html