By Nicole Burns
Most people have heard of Earth Day. But what exactly is Earth Day? On April 22, 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative effects of over 150 years of industrialization by countries around the world. In July of 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency was formed and many environmental protection laws went into place to try to help slow down the pollution.
Millions of people celebrate Earth Day. Some use this day as a time to call attention to the cause by having petitions signed, protesting, and seeking policy changes from the government. Others may plant a tree, participate in a clean up project, take time to recycle, or educate their children on ways to be eco friendly. There are hundreds of ways one can lessen their impact and others on the environment.
Want to do something locally to help the environment in honor of Earth Day? Here are a few ideas:
April 22nd Events
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Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and Gwinnett County’s Solid Waste Recycling Section are hosting a free paper shredding event at Coolray Field.
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Learn about Earth Day at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth. Learn about native plant and animals and foreign invaders. Assist staff with removal of pests and stream studies. www.gwinnettparks.com
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Volunteer alongside Gwinnett County and Gwinnett Co. Master Gardeners to help beautify Vines Gardens in Loganville.
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Participate in the Trillium Trek Trail Run & Walk at the Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville. Event proceeds benefit the Center’s education and conservation efforts. www.elachee.org/trillium-trek
Whether one participates in an organized event or not, there’s ways each one of us can participate in Earth Day. Get your family together, grab some gloves, trash bags, and hit the road to pick up litter, head out to your local plant nursery and buy a tree and plant it together, vow to buy more recycled items such as printer ink cartridges and recycled paper, start a home recycling program, contact local lawmakers to encourage them to vote for tougher environmental laws, take shorter showers, The list is long on ways you can make a difference so no excuses to be more environmentally conscious in 2018.
