Earth Day 2012: Celebrate and Participate

Earth Day teaches people how to care for the environment.

What Is Earth Day? - Earth Day is an annual celebration that takes place in more than 175 nations. It seeks to raise awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment and, in some cases, fragile resources. Earth Day Network coordinates observances globally.(Photo: Antonio Nava/Landov)

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What Is Earth Day? - Earth Day is an annual celebration that takes place in more than 175 nations. It seeks to raise awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment and, in some cases, fragile resources. Earth Day Network coordinates observances globally.(Photo: Antonio Nava/Landov)

When Is Earth Day? - Earth Day is observed on April 22 every year. Many communities also turn it into a weekend or even week — or monthlong — event that includes festivals, rallies and environmental activities.(Photo: REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak)

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When Is Earth Day? - Earth Day is observed on April 22 every year. Many communities also turn it into a weekend or even week — or monthlong — event that includes festivals, rallies and environmental activities.(Photo: REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak)

Who Created Earth Day? - Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin) created the concept in 1969 as an environmental teach-in and chose the April 22 date to maximize the participation of students on college campuses. He came up with the idea after what he viewed as an inadequate political response to an oil spill in California that had occurred the year before. The first Earth Day took place in 1970 and was organized by Denis Hayes, who at the time was a graduate student at Harvard University. He is considered a leader in environmental and energy policy. (Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 

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Who Created Earth Day? - Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin) created the concept in 1969 as an environmental teach-in and chose the April 22 date to maximize the participation of students on college campuses. He came up with the idea after what he viewed as an inadequate political response to an oil spill in California that had occurred the year before. The first Earth Day took place in 1970 and was organized by Denis Hayes, who at the time was a graduate student at Harvard University. He is considered a leader in environmental and energy policy. (Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 

Does It Make a Difference? - According to Earth Day Network, Earth Day is very effective because it broadens support for environmental programs and activism around the world. One-day activities can turn into lifetime commitments.(Photo: XINHUA/Landov)

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Does It Make a Difference? - According to Earth Day Network, Earth Day is very effective because it broadens support for environmental programs and activism around the world. One-day activities can turn into lifetime commitments.(Photo: XINHUA/Landov)

How Is Earth Day Celebrated? - In addition to rallies and festivals, communities also organize civic activities such as creating community gardens, recycling drives, environmental education, policy activities and local clean-up efforts.  (Photo: Xinhua/Landov)

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How Is Earth Day Celebrated? - In addition to rallies and festivals, communities also organize civic activities such as creating community gardens, recycling drives, environmental education, policy activities and local clean-up efforts.  (Photo: Xinhua/Landov)

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How Do I Find Out What’s Happening in My Community? - The Environmental Protection Agency has created a map viewers can click on to learn about events and activities planned for your area. There’s also a widget where you can put your Zip code to find out about local volunteer opportunities on Earth Day and beyond, such as tutoring and tree planting.(Photo: Xinhua/Landov)

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How Do I Find Out What’s Happening in My Community? - The Environmental Protection Agency has created a map viewers can click on to learn about events and activities planned for your area. There’s also a widget where you can put your Zip code to find out about local volunteer opportunities on Earth Day and beyond, such as tutoring and tree planting.(Photo: Xinhua/Landov)

Why Should African-Americans Care About Earth Day? - Low-income and minority neighborhoods have more environmental hazards, such as waste facilities, abandoned factories and landfills, than other communities. As a result, they often experience higher levels of cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases that otherwise would be preventable. Earth Day is an opportunity to build awareness and coalitions to address environmental hazards and their health effects.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Why Should African-Americans Care About Earth Day? - Low-income and minority neighborhoods have more environmental hazards, such as waste facilities, abandoned factories and landfills, than other communities. As a result, they often experience higher levels of cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases that otherwise would be preventable. Earth Day is an opportunity to build awareness and coalitions to address environmental hazards and their health effects.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Volunteer - Take some time to help others. No matter where you live there are organizations that can use your services a few hours a month. Use your hard-earned skills to help others. Not sure how to get started? Visit serve.gov for opportunities in your community. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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How Can I Be More Environmentally Conscious Year-Round? - The EPA offers a number of helpful tips:—Pass on gas! Take public transportation or carpool. Plan your day to reduce trips and environmental emissions.—Test your home to make sure the air is healthy and free of the colorless, odorless gas Radon.—Buy vegetables grown locally or plant your own.—Organize cleanup days in your home.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)