mardi 22 avril 2008

APRIL, 22nd : EARTH DAY


Earth Day is a day which has been designated for people all over the world to show that they care for the environment, to act out against pollution, and to work towards the protection of endangered species. Earth Day is commemorated on April 22, although when this day falls during the week, events are often held on the nearest weekend.
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. About 20 million Americans took part in the first Earth Day, attending protests against the destruction of the environment.
In the same year, the American Government created the Environmental Protection Agency and the environmental movement has continued to grow ever since.
Earth Day is often observed by doing earth-friendly projects such as recycling or planting trees. Some people have taken part in ‘energy fasts' where for the duration of the day they endeavour to not use man-made pollution-causing energy.
Concerts and walks are often held on Earth Day, and each year the Earth Day Fair is held in Central Park, New York
In 1990, the first International Earth Day was organized. More than 200 million people took part from more than 141 countries. Each year this number continues to grow.
WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO TO HELP STOP GLOBAL WARMING ?
A lot! Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere from our normal daily activities. Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming. Leaving the water running while you brush your teeth, having Mom or Dad drive you to school instead of walking and throwing out a paper cup after one use, are bad for the environment.
Here Are 10 Things You Can Do to Help Stop Global Warming:

1. When you change a light, replace a regular bulb with a more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulb.

2. Drive less ! Walk, bike, use public transportation like a subway, bus or even car pool. Talk to your parents about considering a hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicle.

3. Recycle more ! Think before you throw away trash. Recycle instead. Cut down on how much you throw in the trash, which ultimately ends up in a landfill. And be sure to take e-waste, like computers, cell phones and hazardous waste to a special recycling facility.

4. Avoid products with a lot of packaging ! When it comes to your shopping habits, consider buying products that are better for the environment or that are made from recycled materials, and have less or no packaging. And when it comes to food, support local farmers markets.

5. Use less hot water ! It takes a lot of energy to heat water..

6. Adjust your thermostat ! Moving your thermostat down 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer can save a lot of energy. And ask your parents if your local utility company offers alternative power. If so, consider switching.

7. Plant a tree ! A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

8. Turn off electronic devices ! Simply turning off your TV, DVD player, stereo, and unplugging your iPod and cell phone charger when not in use, will save you thousands of pounds of CO2 a year.

9. Spread the word ! Talk to your friends, family and school teachers. Teach them what you've learned and make your house and school as green as possible. Think of ways to raise awareness & educate others, create fund-raisers in your local community to make a change.

10. Go Green ! Work to make these changes in your daily life so it becomes second nature.