Earth Day Guide

1. A Bright (Green) Idea

The late 1960s were full of revolutionary changes in both politics and culture, with war protests and feminism at the forefront and freedom being a topic on everyone's minds, but in the midst of the growth and reshaping of America, environmental problems were arising at an alarming rate. Air pollution had become literally sickening in places like New York and Los Angeles and the widespread use of pesticides (as well as other toxic chemicals) was common even near heavily populated areas. While politicians addressed hot button issues that had already been the subjects of protests and voter interest, little attention was given to matters of the earth (and when it was, it was often talk without action).

The American people, however, were beginning to seriously worry about the environmental effects of lifestyles in the United States and anti-pollution groups were forming around the country, and such groups, with the help of concerned citizens, brought environmental issues into the public eye. Awareness was being raised, it seemed, nearly everywhere but in the government. One of the only exceptions was a Wisconsin senator named Gaylord Nelson, who had seen the dedication grassroots organizations across America had to fighting pollution. While traveling to an environmental speech in Berkley, California---a city that has always been leading the way for environmental evolution---Nelson was inspired to bring the teach-in concept that had been successful with war protests to raising environmental awareness. The idea, while rough at the time, would serve as the seed from which Earth Day would grow.

2. Earth Day One

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, a spring day that happened to be beautifully sunny and temperate for most of America. Thanks to plenty of press and the donations and volunteer efforts of people across the country, what could have been a small, one-time event with little effect grew into something with the feel of a national holiday, albeit an informative one. More than 20 million people would celebrate the inaugural Earth Day and the front pages of papers like the New York Times and the Washington Post would be dedicated to the day's events.

While there were those who questioned what good only one day's actions could do---and there are still people who feel the same way---the effects of that first Earth Day were undeniable and documented. When polled a year after Earth Day, the number of American's who felt protecting the environment was an important goal had increased by 2,500 percent (in comparison to the year before Earth Day). At the end of 1970, the government would launch the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a step that would be an important move in the call for government action on environmental issues and one that could, arguably, have been caused by the efforts of that very first Earth Day.

The number of participants has grown considerably since year one, Earth Day's original goals of making the environment a hot topic and increasing the eco-efforts of Americans has stayed true, each year serving as a call---or reminder---to evaluate your own effect on the planet and put some work into improving the facts.

3. Earth Day in the Present Day

Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, but this year's Earth Day marks the debut of a couple endeavors of its own. Namely, the Green Generation Campaign and Time for Change. The Green Generation Campaign is the work of the Earth Day Network, an organization dedicated to making Earth Day ideas last 365 days a year, and is a two-year initiative that will launch this Earth Day. The goals of the campaign are a carbon-free future based on renewable energy, individual commitments to sustainable lifestyles, and the creation of a new green economy. While we're sure the Earth Day Network will update their site with more campaign action as it's available, for now you can sign the "Green Manifesto" and join the Green Generation Campaign. Even if your forget to mail it in, seeing your environmental commitment written in ink will remind you, on a daily basis, to follow through on your Earth Day efforts.

Over at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), they're using the 50 days leading up to Earth Day as Time for Change. It's a challenge put forth to all Americans to change their lives in ways that will help fight global warming. On the website, visitors can pledge to make a change in their own lives, read about some of the ways other people are planning on celebrating Earth Day, and find out about commitments Americans are making to go green year round. One easy way to get involved? The WWF is also doing a nationwide coin collecting fundraiser as part of Time for Change, and you can donate your own change through a Coinstar center or think big and cop some coins from your friends and family for the same purpose.

4. All In An Earth Day

Wondering what to do for your Earth Day celebration? There are plenty of activities and events going on in cities around the country (and even the globe).

Earth Day Net has a thorough list of Earth Day events that can be searched by location or keyword and you'll find something for everyone from East Hampton to Honolulu, while over on the EPA's Earth Day site you'll find an interactive map guiding you to national volunteer activities and regional Earth Day events. Of course, if it's volunteer activity you're after, you may want to check out the Green Apple Festival, a series of simultaneous volunteer events in ten cities over the Earth Day weekend, with "Thank You" concerts for volunteers on the last day (and thanks to big sponsors like Timberland and Motorola, you can expect a good show). Provided you live near one of the cities involved---or have some road trip-ready friends with a hybrid---you can sign up over at Planet Green and select one of many possible volunteer activities that will have you meeting new people, undoing or fighting some environmental damage and, basically, having an all around good green time.

If your Earth Day plan involves the under-18 set, don't give up on going out; there are more than a few Earth Day events that aren't just okay for kids, but actually geared toward youngsters, like the Central Park Earth Day celebration, which will feature live kid-friendly music, crafts with recycled materials and healthy local snacks. Another good option for New Yorkers with children is the Disney Earth Day Exhibition Fair. Not a resident of the Big Apple? Don't despair, do an event search in your area and you're likely to find several Earth Day fairs or expos that will please the tykes. Don't write off volunteer activities, either, there are options available for children and families there as well (the Green Apple Festival specifies which of their events are 18 and over and also which are suitable for children under 12).

5. Extra Earth Day Perks

While we certainly think volunteering for an environmentally-geared activity is a perk in and of itself (often with concrete benefits like fresh air and a little exercise), there are some additional ways you can take advantage of Earth Day offers. Many green-geared stores and companies feature Earth Day specials or hold their own Earth Day events (like organic and biodynamic wine tastings at Gotham Wines in New York). Here are a just a few of the Earth Day deals to check out:

If you visit the Pangea Organic site before April 30 and use the coupon code "alwaysearthday" at checkout you can save 20% on online orders.

In conjunction with the Green Apple Festival, Timberland will be sponsoring a bike valet at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (where the Earth Day weekend events will culminate) on April 19, stop in and you'll receive a complimentary tune up for your ride.

The Earth Day Network is selling organic cotton t-shirts that feature the design from the Earth Day 2009 posters for $25---the image of a polar bear clinging to a wind turbine as icebergs melt around it is both clever and haunting.

Disney Stores will have a few Earth Day extras going on that are intended to educate future generations about the necessity for recycling, including Earth Day tote bags made from 100-percent recycled materials for $2.50 and a Plastic is Magic: Plastic Bottle Recycling Campaign, in which you can bring empty plastic bottles in for recycling in the unique Disney bins and even exchange three empty plastic bottles for a free commemorative Earth Day reusable water bottle.

For more Earth Day-themed gear, check out the BPA-free Kleen Kanteen that Nubius Organics is featuring for a limited time. It's designed specifically for Earth Day and made from lightweight aluminum (plus, the wide-mouth top is large enough for you to use regular ice cubes to cool your liquid of choice).

Finally, at Whole Foods Market locations during the month of April you can pick up a free Make a Green Change: 30 Ways in 30 Days calendar that will help your family execute one green lifestyle change per day during Earth Month (many of which save both the planet and your dollar).