Have you ever wondered what Earth’s ID card would look like? Perhaps, something like the following:
| Name: Earth
Galaxy: The Milky Way Residence: Third trajectory for the rock around the sun Date of birth: 4.6 billion years (birthday April 22) Date of expiry: Unknown |
Each year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd. This historic day is dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and also ensuring people remain aware of the importance of the protection of our planet. While Earth itself is estimated to be 3.5 billion years old, Earth Day is a relatively new celebration, only turning 54 this year.
Earth Day’s origins can be linked to the disastrous oil spill in California in January of 1969, which incited widespread protests across the USA. Later that year, at a UNESCO conference, John McConnell proposed the idea of a day dedicated to the Earth. The name “Earth Day” was first used on March 21st, 1969 in a proclamation by the mayor of San Francisco, Joseph Alioto.
Senator Gaylord Nelson organized the first official Earth Day as he was concerned about the rapid change in the environment due to pollution. The event mobilized 20 million Americans, as well as leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and the eventual passage of numerous environmental laws. Since then, Earth Day has become a global holiday in which over a billion people and 192 countries celebrate.
While Earth Day has aided in making significant progress in raising awareness about environmental issues, there is still much work to be done. New Friendship Force International board member, Marlena Ćukteraš, created a list of things we can do to “”invest in our planet”.
- Spend time outside and travel – because in doing so, you will get to know your home better.
- When possible, use daily means of transportation that do not consume natural resources – such as bicycles, or if you already use cars, try to connect with your friends and colleagues along the way because there is room on one car for a few more!
- Go green, or simply plant a tree – after all, it is a device that produces oxygen for us for free. Or at least pick up any trash you see in nature so that trees and plants can grow cleanly and freely.
- Use water carefully – life originated in it and it is necessary for all life still.
- Turn off the lights – so that we can all see better.
- Guide yourself every day with the five R’s: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.
- And finally – everything you do in favor of preserving planet Earth, let it be “loud” like I do, so people will recognize what you are doing for the benefit of sustainable development.
About Friendship Force International
Friendship Force International (FFI) is a cultural exchange organization that has brought people from all over the world of all ages, cultures, and nationalities together for almost 50 years. With a mission of promoting global understanding across the barriers that separate people, FFI has an extensive program of international exchanges many of which have a key homestay component that allows ambassadors to share a home, meals, conversation and everyday experiences. Through these unique experiences, people become friends, seeing beyond governments and borders into the heart of a country and its people. Almost one million people have participated in Friendship Force programs since the organization was founded in 1977 by Wayne Smith and introduced by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Friendship Force has more than 300 chartered clubs and programs in more than 60 countries on six continents, with more than 18,000 members worldwide. For additional information, visit www.friendshipforce.org