By K.P. Sander

(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia) Earth Selfie

On Wed., Apr. 22, we celebrate Earth Day, the annual event demonstrating support for environmental protection of the place we call home.

First celebrated on Mar. 12 – the first day of spring – in 1970, the idea was proposed as a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, by activist, John McConnell.  A separate Earth Day was founded just a month later, on Apr. 22, by U.S. Senator, Gaylord Nelson.  He was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his work.

According to Nelson (and Wikipedia), the moniker “Earth Day” was the most “obvious and logical name,” and a friend suggested that it rhymed with “Birthday” – making it a good choice for the occasion.

In a recent press release from EarthDay.org, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries around the globe participate in related activities and events, making it the largest civic observance in the world.  Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 192 countries.

On this 45^th anniversary, do something kind for our Earth.  Plant a tree or native foliage; reduce, reuse and recycle; buy or make Earth-friendly cleaning products; conserve water; and most importantly, educate yourself and your family in an effort to make good choices to be kind to our Earth.  The changes you make will help preserve our planet for generations to come.