Why do we have to have a special day or, for that matter, a week to make the American people care about something. Their mothers, animals, the earth?
We have special days for everything but I say, “We should just wake up every morning with a caring and respectful attitude. Don’t you think?”
Enough of that, this is Earth Week and Thursday April 22, 2010 is Earth Day. Why and how did Earth Day, much less Earth Week, come about? We can thank U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson who founded this day in 1970 as an environmental teach-in which now encompasses not only the United States but the world. It’s celebrated in the spring in the Northern Hemisphere and in autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. This grass-roots movement has inspired many communities to celebrate an entire week with activities and events reminding us of environmental issues we face each and every day.
The United States celebrates Earth Day on April 22, 2010. The United Nations celebrates Earth Day every year on the spring equinox. We can thank the founder John McConnell, a peace activist, who in 1969 made this a tradition. In 1970, San Francisco on the spring equinox celebrated the first government recognized Earth Day. Just once, would another state jump in and be first. The next year the United Nations followed suit, announcing Earth Day and celebrating the event on the spring equinox in 1971.
Take a minute this week and plant a tree, paint a rain barrel, or start and complete the flower garden you have been putting off. Just for Mother Earth smoke one less cigarette each day this week and dispose of properly. Better yet, don’t smoke at all. Make a difference in your life, Earth’s life, and your family’s life.
On a personal note, I think Mother Nature had Earth Day in mind when she gave me my birthday this month. If she did, I thank you mother.
This is how Danny and I began Earth Week:
April 17, 2010 dawned sunny and mild, Danny and I drove to Flagler County Library in Palm Coast Florida to visit the library during their Earth Day celebration and read my book to a group of children and their parents. At 2:00 pm an excited audience of children ages 7-16 and their parents gathered in the library reading room. Reading “The Mis-Tails of Mooshca and the Little Wekiva River” for the first time made me a little nervous. But my audience sat completely absorbed in the story. I was so relieved and grateful for their enthusiasm.
One parent in particular, Hannah Smith, made me feel so welcome. Books were purchased and a signed copy was presented to the Librarian, Theresa Owen. Refreshments and activities with the younger children took place immediately after a question and answer session with my new group of friends. Thank you Flagler County Library for a wonderful day.
Next, on Thursday, April 22 (Earth Day) I will be at Pottery Barn Kids from 11:00 am to who knows when, presenting my children’s book. A second reading is scheduled for 3:00 pm (same day and location), come and join in the fun.
Central Florida will be celebrating Earth Day on April 24, 2010 at Lake Eola Park, its 40th anniversary. Rain or shine vendors, sponsors and contributors are committed to participate in this exiting day of events which include food, music, art, education, and speakers. This is a great day to learn more about how to protect our health, the planet and the next generation. The event was organized by Vegetarians of Central Florida. You don’t want to miss it. Every day this week Lake Eola Park is sponsoring an event for Earth Week, go to www.cfearthday.org for more information.
Walt Disney World will also be celebrating Earth Week, you must visit their website for times and dates.
From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, April 22, 2010 Wekiwa Springs State Park will encourage eco-volunteerism, go to www.floridastateparts.org for more information. Just a heads up, volunteers will help remove trash and exotics from the park in celebration of Earth Day.
This is just a few of the many great ways to celebrate Earth Day this year. Don’t forget to make a difference and save Mother Earth.
This is Elaine and let the sun shine in.
Elaine Huffman
Author, Publisher, and Environmentally Conscious
