(NAMC) - Earth Day is an annual celebration that began as a grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment in the spring of 1970. Now a national effort, people and communities conduct events geared toward teaching others how to help conserve and protect our planet. April 22, 2005 marks the 35th anniversary of this event.
“Earth Day encourages people to be participants in conserving the environment and the animals in it. Our society faces bigger challenges today because people are disconnected from the natural world and many innovations in packaging are not eco-friendly. Helping people to reconnect with the earth and to understand that they have a global impact through their actions and choices is a vital effort” Said author Diana L. Guerrero.
Guerrero is the author of “What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality” and the upcoming release called, “Blessing of the Animals.” Both works teach people how to connect with both wild and domestic creatures.
“People are motivated by animals. That interest and drive can be channeled into efforts that will help those critters and the environment. It is critical that we all do something for our planet on a daily or weekly basis.” Guerrero stated.
The animal behaviorist and author publishes an online magazine about animals and the environment and speaks to various groups on related topics.
The 2005 Earth Day theme is “Protecting Our Children’s Health and Our Future.” Lesson plans sent to educators throughout the Earth Day Network include “Environmental Jeopardy” and “What’s in Your Food, What’s in Your Body.”
Guerrero provides programs to schools on a variety of animal related topics and suggests ten simple steps to make every day an Earth Day:
1. Carry a trash bag when you travel and take home your waste.
2. Pick up any litter you see around you on walks and in your neighborhood.
3. Clean up after your pet on walks and trips.
4. Take public transportation, commute with a coworker, or ride a bike once a week.
5. Recycle your waste so you reduce trash buildup.
6. Reduce your use of throw away products.
7. Use old fashioned and less toxic cleaning solutions.
8. Plant native plant species in your garden.
9. Use electronic technology options to cut down or eliminate paper billing statements.
10. Take action to reduce junk mail.
Guerrero suggests the following resources for further information:
Ecological Footprint Quiz:
www.earthday.netInvasive Plant Information:
www.invasivespecies.govStop Junk Mail:
www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm
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