Earth Day

Earth Day is a time for people around the country to celebrate what has been done to make the earth a cleaner place.  It is intended to raise awareness and appreciation for the environment.  Earth Day was proposed in September of 1969 by Senator Gaylord Nelson and is now celebrated every April 22^nd.  The first Earth Day took place in 1970 and has been a big success.  Presently, Earth Day is observed by over half a billion people in 175 countries and is coordinated by the nonprofit organization Earth Day Network.  The day is also seen as a way to express peaceful demonstrations which change human behavior and provoke policy changes.

            Nationwide, the Earth Day Network is encouraging people to call their government representatives to enact tough and fair climate change legislation.  Moreover, one can sign a petition to Congress on their website expressing the concern over global warming and urging legislation to be passed in order to help the environment.  Locally, in Chico, Ca, on the Chico State campus, many events will be taking place to celebrate Earth Day.  A few examples include an art show and the 60 Earth Hour.  The art show is a recycled art show where artists present their work in which all of the materials are recycled ones.  The event celebrates the popular phrase “reduce, reuse, and recycle.”  Furthermore, the 60 Earth Hour event is sponsored by the Chico Green Campus Program in order to reduce carbon emissions by making a collective effort in that everyone turns off their lights for one hour.  The event begins at 8 pm at night and runs for an hour.

            Overall, Earth Day has been very productive in raising concerns about the earth and the environment.  Presently, global warming and concerns of harmful effects on the earth are a hot topic in politics and the upcoming presidential election.  Many Hollywood actors and other famous people are very concerned about the environment and speak out in order to raise awareness about the environment.  Earth Day has led to this speaking out and awareness and has further led to government action and legislation taking place to protect the environment.  In conclusion, don’t forget to turn off all of your lights tonight at 8 pm to do your part and help celebrate Earth Day.