This year Earth Day will celebrate its 40th birthday. Earth Day began as a call to action for environmental causes after a series of environmental problems came to light. These included the effects of the industrial age, the 1969 oil spill on California’s coast, and the connection of several environmental toxins to birth defects. It began as a national holiday in 1970, the same year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came into existence.
We would love to say that Earth Day has put an end to all environmental problems and that our lifestyle is completely sustainable but, unfortunately, some of the worst environmental problems have happened in the past 40 years. This doesn’t mean it’s time to give up: far from it. We’ve made leaps and bounds in technology that helps us become less dependent on fossil fuels. We’ve raised awareness for the Earth and the problems that need solutions. We’re making a difference, but it’s time to step it up a notch. Use this Earth Day to enroll in green energy credits with your utility provider, or commit to never using a disposable container in your home, or bike to work for half the week, or write to your local politicians. Whatever you choose, commit to it. Make a resolution for the Earth.