Earth Day falls on Friday, April 22 this year. First celebrated in 1970, it has since grown into a global event with over a billion participants. The creation of Earth Day is generally credited to Senator Gaylord Nelson after seeing the devastating 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara.

Most students don’t receive much exposure to topics of conservation and preservation, but it is broadly covered in our school’s Science courses.

Earth Space Science teacher Sarah Hans stated, “We talk about conservation, our ozone, pollution and how excess CO₂ affects our atmosphere. We also cover sustainable living, which is when you can live with minimal things instead of excess. If you live right next door to the grocery store, ride your bike instead of taking your car to the grocery store. Sustainable life and using your resources is important.”

Science teacher Ms. Kirera said, “[Earth Day] was my senior project when I was in high school; I actually hosted Earth Day. We did ‘Earth Day Every Day’ – it’s a day to remember, but it’s not something that should be forgotten the rest of the year.”

Across the globe, Earth Day is a catalyst for environmental activism in over 180 countries. Over 5,000 environmental groups push for a variety of causes, such as clean energy, climate change, reforestation, and saving endangered species. Still, most of our local students have not been involved in the worldwide movement since before their age turned double digits.

“No one really talks about it anymore. I only remember it from elementary school,” said Karina Garcia, sophomore.

“At Tampa Palms [Elementary] we used to celebrate by making Earth Day posters and putting them around school, and when I was younger Disney Channel would make movies for it, about the Earth or animals,” said Junior Labrynth Walker.

It also happens to be National Park Week. Though not a National Park, if you’re looking to get in touch with nature this weekend, check out Lettuce Lake Park, which features plentiful biking and jogging (or walking) paths. There are also canoes and kayaks available for rent on the Hillsborough River.

“The Earth is a special place. Preserve it. Don’t make acid rain,” said Sophomore Lauren Doebele.

With conservation in mind, here are 5 easy things that any student can do to help our Earth:

1. Recycle! Most students go through a massive amount of paper every few weeks, and it’s simple to just toss those packets, tests, and worksheets into the recycling bin, which tends to sit right next to the

2. Reduce water usage, even if it only seems like a little. Don’t run the water faucet when brushing your teeth and only turn on the shower right before you step in. Even a fraction of a gallon each day adds up over time.

3. Reduce water bottle consumption. This could be by investing in a reusable water bottle or simply refilling a water bottle at the end of the day or after practice.

4. Ride a bike. If the trip will be short, forgo the car. Living in the suburbs can make this difficult because destinations tend to be spread out, but think of it as saving the environment as well as your wallet (from the gas money).

5. Carpool. Find out if you have any friends going to the same place and carpool. It might even bring you closer to your friends!