Earth Day Everyday

Tomorrow, April 22, 2009, is Earth Day.  You may have noticed that all the major networks are showcasing “green” stories this week.  The Today Show has even changed their colors to green for the occasion.

While Earth Day originated nearly 40 years ago, it has become mainstream with the global climate change crisis that no one can legitimately deny.  This leads me to wonder…. why not Earth Day everyday?

Let’s not limit news stories concerning the environment to April.  We should be encouraging people to invest in renewable energy and make other eco-friendly changes to their lifestyles as often as possible.

Consider these facts about global warming (from National Geographic):

• Average temperatures have climbed 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) around the world since 1880, mostly in the past 30-40 years.
• The 20th century’s last two decades were the hottest in 400 years and possibly the warmest for several millennia.
• Average temperatures in Alaska, western Canada, and eastern Russia have risen at twice the global average.
• Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing, and the region may have its first completely ice-free summer by 2040 or earlier. Of course, polar bears and indigenous people have suffered habitat loss and are at risk as a result of sea-ice loss.
• Glaciers and mountain snows are rapidly melting.  Montana’s Glacier National Park now has only 27 glaciers, versus 150 in 1910.
• Coral reefs (highly sensitive to small changes in water temperature) suffered the worst bleaching—or die-off in response to stress—ever recorded in 1998, with some areas seeing bleach rates of 70 percent.

These global changes cannot be slowed or halted merely by observing Earth Day on April 22 each year.

Renewable energy options

Beyond just using canvas shopping bags and compact florescent light bulbs, we should all step up our energy savings.  A national smart grid is on the way, which can help us pinpoint household energy hogs and make us more aware of electricity consumption.  Communities like San Diego are encouraging solar panel investment through a subsidy program.  And its never been easier or more affordable to install distributed generation renewable energy projects thanks to generous tax incentives offered through the Stimulus Package.

What will you resolve to do this year to reduce your carbon footprint?  How can you celebrate Earth Day everyday?

We’d love to hear what you’re doing for your part.  And, if you have installed wind or solar on your home or business, be sure to make your mark on our interactive maps.

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