By Richard N Williams

More and more people getting interested in environmental issues all the time and in doing so, many of the long running environmental campaigns that were once seen as fringe movements are now becoming mainstream events.

Earth Day is one such movement. Started in 1970 by the US senator Gaylord Nelson, it has grown from being just a minor American day to a global event celebrated by countries across the globe.

Most countries celebrate Earth Day on 22 April but the United Nations have their own in March. However, many countries precede the actual day itself with a week of eco and environmental promotion.

Earth Day is aimed at encouraging eco friendly living and promoting such schemes as recycling, energy efficiency, and reducing waste. And this year it is celebrating its 40th anniversary and it expected to be the biggest celebration in the day’s history.

Across the globe all sorts of initiatives and schemes are conducted to promote eco friendly ideas; from rallies, and large pop concerts to mass switch off’s and recycling projects. It is estimated that almost a billion people will get involved in some aspect of this Earth Day anniversary.

And there is something everybody can do to celebrate this global event too. Earth day is a great opportunity to begin all those eco friendly schemes that you have been putting off. From recycling and reducing energy consumption; to turning all the appliances off that are normally left on stand-by; It is also a great way of kick starting those positive habits that could go a long way of helping the environment.

But being green and keeping up an eco friendly lifestyle does require some determination so it is important to remember the Earth is forever not just a day!

Richard N Williams is interested in green innovations and writes about them. Please visit our website if you are interested in eco friendly living or other eco-friendly products.