Give Back to Mother Earth

It’s that time of the year again, time to celebrate Mother Nature! Earth Day is tomorrow and what better way to celebrate than by volunteering your time and giving back.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed quite an interesting volunteer program for 2010 called “Pick Five for the Environment”. The international project suggests that volunteers pick five ways in which they can help better the environment. Then you can share your stories and experiences with the world to see. The EPA suggests volunteer possibilities in six categories: water, air, land, energy, waste, and advocacy. Some specific suggestions in such categories include: using only the water you need, and reuse when possible. Prevent additional air pollution by finding alternatives to burning your waste or, when purchasing goods, opt for sustainable, recycled or reused resources. Choose items in less packaging.

Once you’ve picked your choice of the many listed on the EPA’s website, you can register your choices and make your pledge. It’s that easy! The EPA website also offers a volunteer work finder, where you can plug in your zip code and find volunteer opportunities near year. I found quite an interesting opportunity on Long Island (my current location) at Old Westbury Gardens, where volunteers educate children ages Pre-K- 4th grade about protecting and cleaning the environment. What was even neater about the event is that classrooms are gardens - how cool! Want to find out more? To help out and for more information about Earth Day click here and pick your 5 today.