Hi Everyone!

Happy Earth Day! Earth Day is a worldwide event to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 192 countries every year which means over 1 billion people participate.

In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day. The term Mother Earth is used because it “reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit.”

Many countries actually celebrate Earth Day through a week of environmentally friendly events! Earth Day in America, in my opinion, has become more of a “Hallmark” event. America is the second largest carbon dioxide emitter in the world. 40% of America’s rivers and 46% of America’s lakes are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life. Every year, one American produces over 3,285 pounds of hazardous waste. Over 80% of items in landfills can be recycled, but they’re not. Americans generate 30 billion foam cups, 220 million tires, and 1.8 billion disposable diapers every year. I could really go on but I think I’ve made my point. Celebrating one Day for the Earth is a mockery for the United States.

CNN published a great little article called “Earth Day by the numbers” today: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/21/earth-day-by-the-numbers/?hpt=hp_c4

By the numbers:

4.43 – Pounds of “municipal solid waste” generated per person in the United States each day in 2010.

34.1 – Percent of “municipal solid waste” that ends up getting recycled.

43,271.4 – Percent change in CO2 emissions in Namibia since 1980, the highest in the world. (Not a typo!)

55.43 tonnes – CO2 emissions per capita in Qatar for 2007, the highest in the world.

5 – Percent of Americans who are vegetarian.

16,500 – Number of “Energy Star” certified buildings in the United States.

6 – Cities in California on the list of Top 25 Cities in the United States with the most “Energy Star” certified buildings.

8 – Cities in California in the Top 10 on the list of the Most Ozone-Polluted Cities in the United States.

7 – Number of different SPI Resin Identification codes for recycling on plastic goods.

39 – States with laws regulating the use of these codes on 16 oz bottles.

35 – Percent of hybrid car owners who buy another hybrid when they get a new car.

2.4 – Percent of the “new vehicle market” claimed by hybrid cars in 2011.

81 – Percent who switched regular light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

70 – Percent who use reusable grocery bags instead of plastic or paper bags at the store.

1.2 million – Homes in the United States that use solar power.

You should check out Google today! Their Earth Day event is pretty cool!

Have a great day!