Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

From the Education Desk

Easter has come and gone and spring is here! April is full of important celebrations like April 12, 1961, when the first man went into space, the Library of Congress was established April 24, 1800, Arbor Day is April 25, Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, and the first Earth Day was observed in 1970. Over 20 million people participated that year in Earth Day and it has grown to more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries. Two different observances, both held annually, occur during spring in the northern hemisphere, and in autumn in the southern hemisphere. The United Nations celebrates Earth Day, founded by John McConnell in 1969, on the March equinox, and a global observance originated by Senator Gaylord Nelson is celebrated on April 22.

Earth Day is the annual celebration of the environment and a time to assess the work still needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet. Earth Day is observed around the world and affirms that environmental awareness is part of the world’s consciousness and that the idea of protecting the environment is everyone’s concern. Even the smallest grassroots groups can have a big impact. Whether you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day in a big or small way, the internet is full of activities like holding an Earth Day Fair, starting a school recycling program, or getting your students involved in one of the terrific online projects that promote environmental awareness and conservation. Simple things, such as using less paper to dry your hands or turning off lights when you leave a room are great “small starters” to encourage bigger changes. Every little changed habit that benefits the environment adds up.

All of us can help prevent pollution in many environmentally and economically beneficial ways. By changing the way we use products and resources we can prevent pollution and save money. Preventing pollution provides cleaner air and water, less waste in landfills, conservation of natural resources, reduced soil erosion, lower electricity and water bills, and increased property values. We can help save our resources by practicing the 3R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle. The average American generates 4.6 pounds of solid trash per day. Each year we use 25 billion plastic containers, 30 billion bottles and jars, 65 billion aluminum cans and 100 billion pounds of paper.

Environmental groups have sought to make Earth Day into a day of action which changes human behavior and provokes policy changes. We should try and make everyday Earth Day and do something to make our world a better place.

Being aware of the problems of our environment is very important. Taking steps to prevent those problems is even more important.

Here’s wishing you a Happy Spring! We have had a busy and fun time with all of you who visited us during your Spring break. Please come back and see us soon.

Geri LeBold
Education Director
geri@rmdrc.com