Earth Day Celebration
Following the ravages and damage from the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, US Senator Gaylord Nelson was inspired to develop a “national teach-in on the environment. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans rallied to show their support for making healthy, sustainable environmental choices and Earth Day was created.
The first Earth Day was a unique day in history as it brought together people from diverse backgrounds to realize that we share a common value of protecting our planet. From this movement, the United States Environmental Protection Agency was created and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
In 1990 the founders of Earth Day were tapped to help grow the movement. This time, Earth Day went global and mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries, lifting environmental issues onto the world state.
Why do we need an Earth Day?
The movement encourages education and invigorates individuals to take action to protect our planet. Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, incorporating more than a billion people per year.
When: DATE: April 22, 2018
Who: For the young and young-at-heart who care about protecting our environment!
What: You choose how you are going to make a difference! Here are just a few ideas!
!. Take the Zero Waste For A Day Pledge
2. Take a Hike-You will feel better and the only energy used will be your own.
3. Plant a Tree-Many municipalities give out trees to plant this time of year.
4. Do a Home Energy Audit-FP&L does this for FREE!
5. Plant a Corner of Your Yard or a Flower Bed for Pollinators.
6. Clean Out a Closet and Donate to a Local Charity.
7. Buy Produce at a Local Farmer’s Market. Downtown Punta Gorda has one on Saturdays.
8. Opt Out of Junk Mail.
For 5 Years, Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com.
For Permanent Opt-Out process, online at www.optoutprescreen.com.
9. Use a Reusable Water Bottle-Plastics last forever. Reduce your dependence on plastics!
10. Skip the Straw or Buy One of the Reusable Ones.
Fee: This is a free community event open to KCB members and non-members.
It is also a great time to pledge your support to protect Charlotte County’s environment by Adopting-A-Road, or registering your family and friends for our annual Great American Cleanup, and Coastal Cleanup.