Southern States News

Earth Day 2008 (04/16/08)

Earth Day is April 22 marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.  It was originally celebrated on March 20 as Equinox Earth Day to mark the precise moment of mid-spring in the Northern Hemisphere and mid-autumn in the Southern Hemisphere when the sun is directly over the equator.  Earth Day has come to represent worldwide concern about caring for our planet and our environment. 

Earth Day Background:  The first Earth Day in 1970 rallied over 20 million Americans from around the country and on college campuses to get involved in environmental “teach-it”.  Conceptualized by Gaylord Nelson and organized by Dennis Hayes, Earth Day events featured the largest grassroots mobilization in US history.  Out of the events emerged what has come to be known as the environmental movement and the first environmental legislation – the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts the 20th anniversary in 1990, Dennis Hayes again led the effort and more than 200 million people in 141 countries participated worldwide.  Because of hundreds of local organizers, Earth Day is now an anticipated annual event in April.

Earth Day –What Farmers Are Doing:  The primary concern about our environment today is climate change, how fast that change is occurring and whether or not that change is being driven by man.  Research exists on both sides of the argument.  But regardless of what side you are on, everyone seems to agree that there are steps we can take to help our environment and to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and that’s good.  Many farmers are implementing no-till farming which creates carbon credits that can be sold on the CCX (Chicago Climate Exchange).  Research has show that no-till farming builds the carbon level in the soil and reduces the carbon level released into the atmosphere.  No-till also reduces soil erosion, improves water quality and reduces the amount of tractor time spent on the field which means less fuel burned thus less CO2 released in to the air.    Economic analysis suggests that soil carbon sequestration is among the most beneficial and cost effective options available for reducing greenhouse gases, particularly over the next 30 years until alternative energy sources are developed and become economically feasible.  Farmers are the natural stewards of the land and are doing their part to create a sustainable agriculture and food supply for the world.

What can you do for Earth Day?  The answer is - anything that is meaningful to you and for the environment!  Join in local clean-up projects, restoration projects and simply recycle glass, medal and plastics from your trash.  Look for ways to reduce the number of automobile trips you make, that will not only reduce CO2 released into the air but it will save you money, particularly with today’s high gasoline prices.  Walk more, it saves gas and it’s good for your heart too.  Finally, car pool when possible.  One car can carry 4 passengers for nearly the same fuel it can carry one.  The Earth is our home, so it just makes good sense to take care of her. 

For more information about the history of Earth Day and how it got started go to http://www.earthday.gov/

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