What is Earth Day?
Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet, as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution. Earth Day is honored around the world on April 22, although larger events such as festivals and rallies are often organized for the weekends before or after April 22. Many communities also observe Earth Week or Earth Month, organizing a series of environmental activities throughout the month of April.
Why do we need an Earth Day?
Earth Day broadens the base of support for environmental programs, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world through a broad range of events and activities. Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a billion people participate in Earth Day Network campaigns every year.
What can I do for Earth Day?
The possibilities for getting involved are endless! Volunteer. Go to a festival. Install solar panels on your roof. Organize an event in your community. Change a habit. Help launch a community garden. Communicate your priorities to your elected representatives. Do something nice for the Earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference.
Here at MCC, the Sustainability Steering Committee sponsors the Green Office Program. The program’s main goal is to have every office make the commitment to reduce overall energy consumption and to reduce the college’s environmental impact by conserving and recycling resources. Turning lights off when the room is not in use, recycling used paper, and having a water bottle for repeated use are just a few simple things your office can do from the checklist to make the college a greener place. Earth Day would be a great time to complete an application for the program; that application and a complete list of participants are on our website: <https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/sustainability/GreenOfficeProgram.htm>
Valarie Avalone
Chair, Sustainability Steering Committee
04/06/2015 |