Bill Karins, Meteorologist

I’ve come to the conclusion that Earth Day isn’t cool anymore. I’m not sure how or when it happened but our American culture isn’t inspired by Earth Day anymore. You only hear about Earth Day in the mass media on Earth Day or maybe a day or two before at most. On the other hand, I can’t go three hours without being encouraged to Go Green or to Fight Global Warming. Yes, these all fall under the same umbrella but Going Green sounds fun, while celebrating Earth Day sounds like a chore.

Our Green Earth (AP)

Earth Day was started in 1970 by US Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. An estimated 20 million people participated back then but now an estimated 500 million people in 175 countries participate. Call me greedy, but there are almost 7 billion people on this planet and I want more than 1 in 14 people to stop and help on Earth Day. The technical term for what I believe the name Earth Day is lacking is called “A Call To Action.”

School Kids Celebrating in Nepal (AP)

In my opinion, we are polluting and harming our planet 365 days a year. Is it to much to ask that for one day a year everyone on our planet stops hurting and starts helping. I’m talking about everyone. I want the first ever international holiday where all schools and businesses are closed in every country. This way everyone can participate and be part of a solution. Wouldn’t it be fun to go out and help, knowing that someone just like you in China was doing the same thing.

On Earth Day, I will be in the Park by my house picking up trash. Let me know below, how you are going to help on Earth Day or what you do on a daily basis to help the planet. Your ideas may inspire someone else. And because I can’t think of a better name yet, Happy Earth Day!