Energize the Earth

It's Earth's birthday!

How old is the Earth? The Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old!

In honor of our planet, former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson decided we needed a special day to celebrate and learn how to care for our environment. He wrote letters to many schools about the day he planned because he knew kids like you would help.

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was held. Many environmental laws were passed, and people all over the country made promises to protect the environment.

Since then, Earth Day has spread around the world and people are working together to create cleaner air and energy to take care of Mother Nature. Learn how you, your family and friends can start making a difference too!

How will you celebrate?

Earth Day is now celebrated by hundreds of millions of people in more than 180 countries. Here are some ways that you can help re-energize the Earth and celebrate too!

• Visit a nature conservancy. Nature conservancies teach us how to preserve our natural history.
• Have an Earth Day block party! Invite neighborhood kids to plant gardens or trees or pick up trash. Then celebrate your accomplishments with some Earth Day treats and nature music.
• Challenge your family to "go green." Walk, bicycle, carpool or take the bus to reduce greenhouse gases and get outdoors!
• Wear green, a nature or Earth Day T-shirt to help spread the word about caring for our environment.
• Make a "planet pledge" to reduce your energy use and recycle.
• Read an Earth Day book like Keepers of the Earth by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac, featuring Native American stories and environmental activities to help children feel part of their surroundings.

We hope you'll use some of these ideas during the week of April 22 to celebrate and give back to the Earth that gives so much to us.