Earth Day 2009

Earth Day, founded by Gaylord Nelson in 1970, was a movement to raise public awareness about the toxic environmental impact of uncontrolled, thoughtless consumption of finite natural resources. Senator Nelson sowed the seeds of change, motivating Americans to start preserving our aging, ailing planet. The initial event mobilized citizens nationwide, and is now an annual event on April 22.

Why have Earth Day

By 2000, concern for future generations and preservation of the environment had become a global issue. According to information found on EarthDay.net: "Earth Day 2000 sent the message loud and clear that citizens the world 'round wanted quick and decisive action on clean energy". The theme for 2009's Earth Day celebration is "The Green Generation", and on April 22, there will be many Earth Day events and activities taking place worldwide.

Earth Day Events and Resources

At EarthDay.net, you will find ingredients for an Earth Day event. Click on Earth Day in a Box, and start planning. By following this simple, step-by-step guide, you can plan any size event; from a get-together with a few friends determined to leave a smaller carbon footprint. to organization of citywide events. www.earthday.net

The Ecology Fair in Jacksonville, Florida will take place on April 22, with plenty of food, fun, and education about Earth Day 2009. For those in the New York area, there will be an Earth Day Fair April 24^th and 25^th at Grand Central Terminal. This event is family-friendly, with many interesting activities for all ages, food, and entertainment.

Forest Park in St. Louis will be transformed for an EarthDay Festival. Legendary among Earth Day events, and a crowd-pleaser, this is a must-see event if you are in the vicinity.

Walt Disney Studios has announced the release of their nature documentary "Earth" to coincide with Earth Day 2009. This is billed as seeing our Earth as never before, with beautiful photography by first rate cinematographers. The documentary is narrated by legendary actor and voice talent James Earl Jones, and based on Disney's proven track record of success, is sure to be a box office success. Look for it at a theater near you. www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php

Kids and Earth Day

Earth Day awareness is not just for adults. Kids have an interest, as Earth Day goals impact their future. For the eco-conscious child, there is an abundance of free printables, coloring pages, interactive educational activities, and games available online. One of the best can be found at: www.google.com/url. At this site, kids learn how their choices affect the environment and other people.

How to Take Action

Today it is chic to be eco-conscious, going green, and other eco-wise buzz words. Whether you are passionately sold out to preserving the environment, or just wanting to do your part in your corner of the planet, remember small things do have power to make a big difference. The bottle recycled today makes an impact, as does the ton of recycled aluminum cans. Plant a tree, walk instead of drive, carpool, or recycle your newspaper. Do what you can, where you can, for the sake of the Earth!