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In honor of Earth Day, I decided to give you an update on my flower beds. I've gotten my side flower bed all planted. I was able to get some nice perennials from the flea market on Sunday. I planted some coreopsis, dianthus, lavendula, and arenaria to compliment the hostas, peonies, salvia, bearded irises, and day lilies that were already there. I also planted some marigolds and impatiens for summer color. We added some solar lights to provide low level nighttime lighting.
Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 as a way to promote awareness of the Earth's environment. Approx. 20 millions Americans participated with a goal of a healthy, sustainable environment. Twenty years later Earth Day grew to 200 million people in 141 different countries, lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Today it is celebrated in over 175 countries with various observance activities.
Earth Day has spawned many of todays' environmental programs that we have in place. Recycling plastic, paper, cans and aluminum to keep it out of landfills. Calls for clean, renewable energy sources. Protection of our streams, rivers and natural resources including endangered species...these groups all found a reason to unite and pool their efforts in a common cause...to raise awareness of our impact on our environment.
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In our family we try to respect the Earth by recycling our bottles, cans and paper products. We use CFL's in our light fixtures to cut our energy consumption. We try to turn off lights, tv's and appliances when we aren't using them. We have installed low flow shower heads and low water use toilets. We have replaced some of our appliances with Energy Star rated ones to help lower energy consumption. It's just our small contribution to help our environment.
Today is a day to rethink our environmental strategy. To find ways that we can further help save the environment. Any small contribution that one person makes, can be multiplied by millions all across the world...we can make a difference.
Anyway, Happy Earth Day. Get out and enjoy the day. Plant a tree, a flower, a bush. Embrace our world...it's the only one we have.