In a world where the number of Camelbak water bottles is growing and there is a continuously increasing number of hybrid cars on the road, more people are making an effort to aid the growing environmental issues that face Earth. There is one day a year, however, when everyone is more aware of their carbon footprint and the impact they make on the environment: Earth Day. This year, Earth Day is Apr. 22 and environmental organizations across the country are taking steps to help create a cleaner, healthier Earth.

    Earth Day originated in 1970 when issues such as air and water pollution, endangered species, and clean energy were becoming prominent in the media and concerns of national political agendas. Prior to this time, the subject of the environment rarely came up for the common person, but Earth Day shed light on several of these concerns. The power of Earth Day has increased every year as the issues the world is facing get bigger and bigger.

    SHS and the Environmental Club are celebrating Earth Day Apr. 25 by spreading awareness throughout the student body. Some activities include turning down the lights in the school, planting an apple tree, and handing out recycled pencils to students. These pencils, which were donated by SHORE will be handed out to every student in homeroom along with a copy of the environmental club logo designed by senior Stephanie Jones.The pencils will include ideas of things any student can do to improve the environment. All students are encouraged to wear green on this day. Chemistry teacher and Environmental Club advisor, Ms. Moore said, “The whole purpose is to create excitement and awareness that students can make a difference in the world.”

    The theme of Earth Day this year is A Billion Acts of Green, which emphasizes individuals doing their part to make the earth cleaner. There are several easy things that students can do on a daily basis to help make the world a cleaner place. Replacing your plastic water bottles with reusable ones may not seem like much, but if everyone reduced their use of plastic then it could have a big impact. It doesn’t take that much more effort at lunch to put your water bottle in the recycling bins in the cafeteria rather than simply throwing them in the trash when a teacher walks by.

    Carpooling will also help reduce the amount of oil that is used in the United States on a daily basis, which is especially important due to the ever rising gas prices. Swapping normal light bulbs for LED bulbs may seem small, but can make a huge impact. According to the Earth Day Network, if every American changed just one light bulb, it would reduce emissions equivalent to taking 800,000 cars off the road. Every little change has an impact and it does not take much effort to make a difference.

    Although Earth Day is a great day to emphasize the importance of helping the environment, the activities that are encouraged should not just be limited to April 22, but should continue every day.