What is Earth Day?

Earth Day, on April 22nd is the annual celebration of the environment and a time for Americans and people from

all over the world to assess the work still needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet. Earth Day has no

central organizing force behind it, though several nongovernmental organizations work to keep track of the thousands of local events in schools and parks that

mark the day.

http://act.earthday.org/

Happy Earth Day! Happy Earth Day! American Corner UDP American Corner UDP www.americancorner.udp.cl

Organize a community cleanup at a local park,

beach, neighborhood, or just around town. Dispose the non-recyclable items

and recycle the rest.

Check out this clean up in the Cayman Islands:

http://act.earthday.org/event/chamber-commerce-

earth-day-roadside-cleanup

Find local experts on issues ranging from water pollution to the importance of biodiversity to the deforestation of the

rainforests and ask them to give a small talk to the community. The event could be held in a local library, park, or

even university hall.

Work with local teachers to teach about Earth Day,

recycling, creating a school garden, or use one of Earth Day Network’s lesson plans: www.earthday.org/educati

on

As cities grow, we mustn’t forget the importance of green

spaces. Creating or sprucing up a community garden can be a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Coordinate with

local environmental, farming, or eco groups in your area to

help with upkeep and the grand opening, which could

be on Earth Day!

To catalyze global environmental activities, the Earth Day

Network developed its “A Billion Acts of Green"

campaign as the theme for Earth Day 2011, and is

continuing it for Earth Day 2012.

EDN aims to make "A Billion Acts of Green" the largest

environmental service campaign in the world, inspiring and rewarding

simple individual acts and larger organizational

initiatives that further the goal of measurably reducing

carbon emissions and supporting sustainability.

Is your group passionate about an environmental issue in your

community, state, or country? Organize a parade or march and build public

awareness in your community.

Find a space, such as the library, a church, university room, or

even café to show an environmental movie to get

people talking about our environmental future. Prepare

informational resources and discussion topics for after the

screening.

Our forests are in massive decline and several places in the Americas and the Caribbean are in need of a helping hand. Coordinate with local

tree planting organizations and local hardware or construction companies for planting materials and expertise. Outreach to the whole community! For ideas, check out this tree planting in St.

Vincent and Grenadines: http://act.earthday.org/event/tree-fest-2011-environmental-expo

For tips on how to save money and energy at home and on

the road, visit http://www.energysavers.gov

This issue of eJournal USA explores how young people are leading the

way to a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future. From launching

their own environmental organizations to developing

alternative energy resources, today's youth have what it takes to make the

world a better place.http://photos.state.gov/libraries/am

gov/30145/publications-english/Growing_up_Green_eJ_150.pdf