Earth Day

Earth Day April 22, is the anniversary of the modern environmental movement, which began in the 1970’s. The goal of Earth Day is to promote environmental awareness globally. It’s the only event celebrated simultaneously on the planet. It’s estimated that half a billion people participate in some type of Earth Day activity or event.  According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day was first celebrated at a time when “cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire.” Today the worldwide campaign to care for the environment has grown into a huge affair. Cities and communities host events, educational fairs, and sponsor sustainable design expos. Others spend the day collecting trash and recyclables and distributing the EPA’s Earth Day take home kit.

In Chico California the city shows it’s earthly pride by celebrating all month long.  150 Earth day flags are displayed through out the city and many more by private residents.  A whole slew of events are take place all month long. On April 22, Chico State will host a Veggie Feed on the Free Speech Lawn at 11:30am, and a Breathe for Peace Workshop in the BMU room 210. The veggie feed will improve awareness about environmentally sound foods and help raise money. Earlier in the week the university hosted Eco-Fest, which was a fun educational community event. On the same day the City of Chico organized Earth Day in Bidwell Park. Volunteers gathered to remove weeds, trash, and monitor water quality.

Is all this attention making a difference? It seems that now more then ever we’re losing the battle against global warming. The goal is educating the public, and it’s worked. Since the 1970’s we’ve seen such results as the Clean Air Act, protection for drinking water, wild lands and the oceans. Earth Day is now celebrated in over 175 countries and has seen the creation of countless environmental groups that bring both action, policy changes, and knowledge to the fight for saving the planet. It may not be an overnight answer, but it’s positive, and that’s worth a lot.