Earth Day

Earth Day started as a U.S. national holiday in 1970 with an estimated 20 million participants its first year alone! Now Earth Day is an internationally observed holiday that is celebrated in over 175 countries worldwide! It is a day to remember that we all share one planet and need to take care of our home.

Just two days ago was the 1 year anniversary of the Gulf oil spill.  And although some scientists have stated that the gulf is “nearly back to normal” [via The Huffington Post] there is still evidence of what remains of the 172 million gallons of oil spilled washing up on the shore. This in just one example of the abuse that people inflict on this planet!

Tiny tar balls like the ones picture above (aglow under UV light they look like little gold rocks) are still washing up on beaches all along the coast. These photographs were taken April 2011 on a beach in Pensacola, Florida.

This year I hope you feel compelled to do something good for the earth, even in a small way:

Carry your own reusable shopping tote, turn off the lights, bike/walk/bus instead of drive, pick up just one piece of litter and recycle it! Anything! The earth needs our help, not our abuse.

Pledge your commitment to Earth Day at One Billion Acts of Green to make a positive impact in any way you can!

And don’t forget to enter our Earth Day Giveaway (it ends at NOON MST today!)  and winner will be announced at 1pm MST!

Now get out there and do something good!

Images courtesy of Rip Kirby via National Geographic.