By Justine Carmine
Lifestyles Editor
With the new trend of going green already in full force, this Earth Day, April 22, will mark the beginning of the Green Generation Campaign. This is a two year program that will end with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. Earthday.net explains the responsibilities of the Green Generation: Firstly, we need to end our dependency on fossil fuels by substituting it with renewable energy. Secondly, and most importantly, we need to create a green economy, which will also provide millions of green jobs that will help those in poverty. Coinciding with this, we need to focus on green education in schools that help the future of America strive to make an effort to live greenly.
Earth Day was started by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 for the purpose to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment. He chose the date April 22 so that college campuses could participate and it wouldn’t interfere with other activities such as spring break or Easter. The first Earth Day proved popular with more than 2,000 colleges and universities and 10,000 primary and secondary schools participated in the environmental teach-in. People all over America and the world recognized the importance of environmental reform and started striving for it.
How can you help out this Earth Day? You can start by involving other people with the Green Generation Campaign. Just by shutting off the water while you brush your teeth, or by car-pooling to work or school, you are leading a greener, more environmentally-friendly life. You can also buy energy efficient lightbulbs and appliances, which will also save you money on your tax returns! Even changing your life in the slightest way will make a huge difference in the preservation of the environment. To find out more information on how you can participate in the Green Generation Campaign, log on to www.earthday.net.