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WAYS TO CELEBRATE
EARTH DAY
educate the public about the fragility of the environment and the importance of taking care of the planet. Nelson sought help from environmental advocate Denis Hayes and U.S. Representative Pete McCloskey to start the movement. On April 20, 1970, approximately 20 million people across America flooded streets and parks to protest pollution and push for a healthier environment. It was after this movement that several environmental groups unified with one goal: to keep the Earth healthy. This movement also helped create laws such as the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, and the Endangered Species Act. In 1990, Earth Day went global. According to the website Live Science, around 200 million people from 141 countries participated. The numbers grew in 2000, expanding to 184 countries and 5,000 environmental groups. More than one billion people worldwide now observe Earth Day each year.
Ready to pitch in and help save the Earth? There are plenty of ways to volunteer your time. Help an environmental group plant trees. Organize a group of friends and neighbors to clean up a park or river. Offer your time to a local garden. Not only will you learn about nature and how to preserve it, you’ll also help your community! Environmentalism isn’t just for April, of course — you can take simple steps to help save the Earth all year long. Bicycle or walk to work. Recycle plastics, paper, and other reclaimable material. If nothing else, simply take time out of your busy life to enjoy nature. Take a walk in the park, and pick up litter along the way.
April 22 is now designated Earth Day. The holiday started in 1970 when Senator Gaylord Anton Nelson saw the need to address the worsening condition of the environment after witnessing a large oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. After the devastating effects of the spill, he became determined to do something about it. His goal was to
Taking small steps to ensure a healthier environment inspires others to do the same. It might not seem like much, but these measures will add up to a more sustainable Earth. We’re all connected, and we’re all responsible for preserving the planet we live on. Family Time in the Great Outdoors
hiking is that you can tailor the distance to fit your family’s needs. If you have children or grandkids who aren’t up for the challenge of an arduous daylong trek, there’s sure to be a shorter scenic trail. If nothing else, you can always turn around and backtrack the way you came. FISHING Fishing is a great way to get out and do something relaxing yet challenging. It doesn’t require a lot of skill or investment. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the desire to connect with nature. This is why fishing is the perfect activity for youngsters of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river. While these are all great stand-alone options, together they form an amazing three-headed monster for your next family outing. By combining camping with a hike to a river or lake where you can go fishing, you are sure to create lasting memories with your family that will draw you closer together. Ditch the lines at the airport and the stress of travel. Unleash the possibilities of adventure in the great outdoors.
Family adventures are a great way to grow closer and develop meaningful connections. But with lodging prices rising and the logistical nightmare that traveling with the entire family can be, many Americans are looking at a new option: ditching the beaches and resorts and heading to the great outdoors. Actually, we know this option isn’t new at all. Spending time outdoors with family may very well be one of the most time-honored traditions ever. CAMPING Lodgings and flights are expensive, so going on a family vacation can cost thousands of dollars — and that’s just for the basics! But camping only requires a tent, a fire, picnic food, and water. Rather than scarfing down fast food between flights and dealing with airport security, departure delays, and long flights, take a deep breath and roast marshmallows over the fire with the people you love. HIKING A hike with family is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. All a hike requires is a trail and a sense of adventure. The best part of
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