Happy Earth Day, a Primer for Celebration

The 43^rd anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated Monday, April 22, by more than one billion people around the world.

First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day was born out of the spirit of the 1960s anti-war movement. The day was founded by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who wanted to raise awareness of the need for a greener ethos and consciousness.

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Earth Day Timeline

• 1970 — The first Earth Day is attended by 20 million people in cities all over the United States.

• 1970 — President Richard M. Nixon establishes the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• 1972 — The Clean Water Act is passed, limiting the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waterways.

• 1973 — The Endangered Species Act is passed, protecting the animals and the ecosystems in which they live.

• 1995 — President Bill Clinton bestows the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award on Gaylord Nelson in recognition of his work on behalf of the environment.

• 2013 — The theme of the 43^rd annual Earth Day celebration is The Face of Climate Change.

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Ways to Celebrate Earth Day 2013

• Plant a tree. You can get 10 free trees from the Arbor Day Foundation.

• Place ladybugs gently on your prized rose bush. Ladybugs love to eat aphids and can help keep your roses disease-free without harmful chemicals or harm to the ecosystem. You can purchase them from GrowOrganic.com.

• Bone up on the facts of recycling. Visit the Hillsborough County website to learn how to dispose of batteries, electronics, household chemicals, tires, furniture and unwanted medications.

• Quit using your garbage disposal. Instead, build your own compost bin and use your vegetable peels to enrich your soil. The Hillsborough County Extension Service offers classes and instructions. The next Compost Happens class is May 4.

• Repurpose. Turn an old T-shirt or pillowcase into a reusable shopping bag. Here’s how.

• Start your own vegetable garden. The Extension Center's Master Gardener Help Desk can provide instructions and even test your soil for a nominal charge.

• Hold a neighborhood swap. Invite all your friends to bring used items they no longer need, from books to clothes to gardening tools and have people swap items. Put out some light refreshments to keep things lively and fun.

• Organize a carpool. Instead of you and your neighbor both traveling to the same part of town for your jobs, pile into one car. Save gas, money and the environment. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority can help you find a carpool, vanpool, schoolpool or bike buddy.

• Take a hike. Enjoy the beauty of natural settings in your area. April 22-28 is National Park Week and admission to all national parks is free.