Earth Day

            Earth Day is recognized on two separate days, each and every year since 1970. The United Nations declared the March Equinox, or the moment when the sun is directly above the Earth's equator, to be the international Earth day. However, within the United States we celebrate Earth day on April 22 after politician Gaylord Nelson proposed the date as an environmental teach-in. With the environment and especially global warming being such hot topics these days, events such as Earth day have gained a great deal more awareness and have influenced similar actions and proceedings.

            Our little town of Chico is no exception to Earth day. Just last Saturday was the 2008 Earth Day in Bidwell Park. Volunteers in the form of individuals, teams, and families were asked to come out for the afternoon and help clean up trash in the park, remove harmful plants, and even learn to check water quality to name a few events. Also, on the campus of CSU Chico there will be Eco Fest. Eco Fest is very popular music festival with booths pertaining information on everything from sustainability to vegan lifestyle. All are a part of Earth month in Chico which is denoted by flags hanging throughout the city with a picture of the Earth on them.

            While many of us will be either too busy to stop in for such events or feel that they are a waste of time, there are those who believe in this idea and that feel that it’s not too late to change where we are headed as a civilization. With the images and documentaries that have already been produced, I don’t believe that there is anyone left who can dispute global warming. And while for the most part life has continued as usual, we have made strides to improve recycling and reduce emissions and fuel consumptions through Hybrids and alternative power sources. While these effects won’t affect us, they could be either extremely costly or life saving of future generations. Choice is up to us.

-Truth