Earth Day, Every Day

By Beth Litvin, Parents' Source, March 20, 2001

Taking a walk in Nolde Forest, fishing at French Creek State Park, or planting a garden or a tree at home are all pleasant family events we enjoy here in our area. And clean water, clean air, and healthy land are what will allow our children's children to enjoy these experiences for years to come.

The first Earth Day was commemorated on April 22nd, 1970, bringing together for the first time various groups involved in helping to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. Although we have made great strides in cleaning up pollution, preventing new pollution, and helping to conserve and protect our air and water, we need to continue this stewardship in order to maintain a healthy environment for current and future generations.

We can make "Earth Day Every Day" by doing some simple things in our daily lives that help save energy, save the environment and save money, too!

• If you have a choice, use the range top instead of the oven - it saves energy.
• Don't boil water in an open pan; it lets heat escape.
• Washing dishes by hand uses less water than using the dishwasher, as long as you don't leave the water running while you rinse. Use the dishwasher sparingly, and only when full. Allow the dishes to air-dry in the dishwasher, saving half the cost per load.
• Washing clothes in cold water can save about $80 per year per family of four. (Some items may still need hot water.)
• Separate dryer loads into fast and slow-drying items and keep the lint screen clean - these steps reduce the amount of energy flow needed.
• Set hot water heater temperature between 120 and 140 degrees.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Shop for new appliances based on low energy use.
• Drive cars that use less gasoline and are fuel-efficient.

Other things to do around the house to protect our air and water quality are:

• Avoid the use of harsh chemicals, cleaning products, and solvents. Look for safer alternatives. They're better for the environment and your kids. The American Lung Association notes there has been a 56% increase in asthma between 1979 and 1993. About 1/3 of the cases are children under 18 years of age. They note that triggers for asthma are often things which also pollute our outdoor and indoor environments. They suggest the following ideas for reducing asthma/allergy triggers: Reduce exposure to tobacco and wood smoke, perfume and scented cosmetics, strong fumes from cleaning products and home repair products, including room deodorizers, cleaning solvents, paint and paint thinners, furniture polish, etc. Call 1-800-lung-usa for more information.
• Plan shopping trips to reduce the number of car trips you take to the same place.
• Buying products in bulk often reduces costs and cuts down on packaging that goes to landfills.
• Mulch your grass when cutting. This helps fertilize the lawn instead of going to a landfill.
• Plant trees in your neighborhood. They provide shade in summer and a wind barrier in winter. They also clean the air, provide shelter for animals, soften noise, and beautify the community.

For more tips contact: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/ or http://www.earthday.net or http://www.earthdayberks.org.

On Sunday, April 22nd (rain date May 6th), the Berks County Earth Day Event 2001 will be held in Reading from 12 noon - 5 p.m. at City Park, Reading, PA. This is a family-oriented event featuring educational and business exhibits, music, food, and children's activities. This year's theme is "Empowering Our World". Some of the topics to be covered include composting, recycling, alternative energy, land use, gardening, clean air and water, using less toxic chemicals in the home, office, and garden, and environmentally aware businesses. It is the largest annual Earth Day celebration in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The event is sponsored by the Berks County Earth Day Committee, a group of volunteers whose sole mission is to organize a yearly event to commemorate Earth Day, designated by Congressman Gaylord Nelson in 1970. This committee represents local business and environmental organizations, school groups, garden clubs, local nature centers, and others with concern for the natural environment.

All profits from the event go back into the community to support environmental organizations and their projects. Our 2000 event awarded donations to such organizations as the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Berks Recycling Coalition, the Berks County Master Gardeners, the Evergreen Association, and the Berks County Conservancy.

To get involved with the event contact Beth or Bill Litvin at, 610-779-6960 or email: blitvin@earthlink.net. Beth and Bill Litvin are coordinating members of the Earth Day Committee.

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