Happy 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! Did you know Earth Day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin in 1970?  Nelson wanted a national day to focus on the environment after assessing the state of pollution in America. Leaded gasoline was fueling inefficient automobiles; smoke and sludge was spewing from industry into the air and water.  On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans participated in events in support of a cleaner environment. Shortly after, the United States Environmental Protection Agency was formed, and many key environmental laws established like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

Earth Day is now GLOBAL with more than a billion people celebrating and taking action.
Decide to join in action today.  Try a new habit:
REDUCE food waste by mindful shopping.
Plant pollinator-friendly flowers. Spread wildflower seeds encouraging butterflies and bees.
REFUSE single-use plastics like bags, straws, cups and dishes.
REUSE with shopping bags, paper (or no) straws, washable dishes, glasses and travel mugs.
Plant a tree or two in 2020 and help with Climate Change as they capture carbon emissions.
Be serious about saving ENERGY and RESOURCES.
If driving, plan direct routes and ease up on gas before approaching a STOP.
Use Less Water.
Wash clothes in cold water and hang-dry on a rack or outside saving energy.
RECYCLE whatever you can in your town or county.

recycling.lackawannacounty.org

Thank you for CARING for Our EARTH!