What Can You Do to Support Earth Day 2011?

Written by: Frank Iacono

Today, Friday, April 22, 2011, marks the 41st Anniversary of Earth Day. So, when was the first Earth Day? Well, it’s hard to believe that it was on April 22, 1970, that we first celebrated Earth Day. So, who started it? It all began behind the support of U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin who wanted to use this as a nationwide environmental tech-in day.

Earth Day 1970 featured a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, tycoons and labor leaders, and city slickers and farmer. Additionally, the first Earth Day also led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

Earth Day has inspired and mobilized individuals and organizations worldwide to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. For example, Payless ShoeSource held a recycling drive at their office this past week. They collected old electronics and more than 1,000 pairs of shoes and donated them to Souls4Soles. To celebrate Earth Day 2011, Starbucks is offering free cups of iced or hot coffee to customers who bring their own reusable mugs at locations across the U.S. and Canada.

So, What Can You Do?

In support of Earth Day 2011, I encourage you to participate by:

• Using social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube as well as emailing your family, friends, and business colleagues to spread the word about Earth Day
• Finding an alternative means of transportation such as biking, walking, mass transit or carpooling
• Taking the stairs instead of elevators
• Turning off all electrical devices such as televisions and radios when not in use
• Turning off all lights when not in use
• Purchasing Energy Star rated appliances
• Finding ways to use water more efficiently
• Taking shorter showers
• Lowering hot water heaters
• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
• Plant a tree

Remember that together we can make a difference!