Earth Day: 40 years young

by Staff Pioneer Times
15 years ago

By Bruce White
    Earth Day turns 40 this year! Earth Day is a day established to raise public awareness about the need to increase responsible decision making and actions regarding our environment by everyone from individuals to corporations to governments. Earth Day, and its mission, is alive and well. We urge you join in supporting Earth Day activities in your area, and make a pledge to have every day be ‘Earth Day’.
    As Mainers, Earth Day has special meaning when considering the State Seal clearly illustrates our dependence upon the planet through the use of the sailor and the farmer, both of whose endeavors rely upon a healthy planet. Adding to that is the State Motto, Dirigo (which means ‘I Lead’). On April 22, 2010, we have the opportunity to combine both our desire for a healthy planet with our leadership qualities by participating in Earth Day activities.
    There are green events going on all over the state in celebration of this special day. If you are looking for ideas, a good place start might be a college campus close to you. In Southern Maine, the University of New England will declare the day special with “Commute Another Way Day”. Bowdoin College will host a number of events and provided volunteers for Eco-Service Day, April 17. The University of Maine Orono campus will host the 16th Annual HOPE Festival on April 24th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In Bar Harbor the College of the Atlantic will assign a student to stand watch for the first light of the day to kick off the day, “Acts of Green”, that is extra special to its mission.
    If a group event is not your thing there are many ways you can honor the day.
• Recycle — if you already do, great. If not, Earth Day is the perfect day to start!
• Turn off the lights or better yet, buy CFL bulbs and then turn off the lights.
• Find another means of transportation for the day (public transportation, car pool or bicycle, walk etc.)
• Start composting your kitchen organics.
    For more information, visit Maine’s Recycling Web site at www.recyclemaine.com
    Bruce White is a staff member with the Maine State Planning Office. He can be reached at 207-287-8053 or via e-mail at Bruce.White@maine.gov.