Earth Day 2009

By Melinda Toussaint

With Earth Day coming up in less than a week many organizations are jumping on the band wagon, hosting events, gathering volunteers, etc; but no other organization is doing it as globally at the Earth Day Network. The Earth Day Network and their Green Generation Campaign are attempting to take Earth Day to the next level.
Held on April 22nd, Earth Day has been important to citizens since 1970 when U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson put together a nationwide grassroots demonstration on the environment. Since then organizations have dedicated themselves to protecting the Earth and producing education for others to do the same. The demonstration was meant to thrust our environment into the national agenda and for 39 years it has thrived. But now the Earth Day Network is responsible for another major environmental step for our nation.
Starting this year, the Earth Day Network has introduced us to a two year initiative that launches the Green Generation Campaign. Green Generation Campaign comprises their efforts to educate, protect, and conserve the Earth. The campaigns core principles are as follows:
- Carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuel, such as coal.
- An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption
- Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of green jobs and transforms the global education system into a green one.
Thus, the Earth Day Network is holding a celebration in conjunction with Green Apple Festival. America’s largest Earth Day celebration will be held April 17th-19th of 2009. In which time, volunteers from all across the globe can log on and sign up to help in the following locations: New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, Austin, San Francisco

During the Green Generation Campaign launch, the Earth Day Network will be introducing a worldwide education and media campaign to mark this new beginning. With many major sponsors like Timberland, FedEx, Planet Green, TreeHugger, USA Today, and more this event looks like it will be a success.
To read more about the Green Generation Campaign or to volunteer in your area log on to: http://ww2.earthday.net/.
To show your support for the Green Generation Campaign you can even sign their petition dedicated to show the government we need help getting out of our environmental crisis. Visit: www.earthday.net/greengeneration.
Even if you can’t participate on this large of a scale to show your support for Earth Day, come April 22nd, 2009 grab some friends and enjoy the day outside. Plant trees, work in your garden, help pick up trash and recycle. Whatever you do, remember to honor our planet like it deserves.