It was the Earth Day logo of Google that made me check this out.




From Wikipedia:

"Responding to widespread environmental degradation, Gaylord Nelson, a United States Senator from Wisconsin, called for an environmental teach-in, or Earth Day, to be held on April 22, 1970. Over 20 million people participated that year, and Earth Day is now observed each year on April 22 by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries. Senator Nelson, an environmental activist, took a leading role in organizing the celebration, hoping to demonstrate popular political support for an environmental agenda."

I'd say Senator Nelson's been very successful in creating "an environmental agenda" world wide. Sure it's sagged and had it's moments but we're all of us more environmentally aware now.

I don't think there are any major events like the 1970's one any more though, but Hagar, Blondie, Beetle All Say Earth Day Is No Laughing Matter

This is the unofficial Earth Day flag below:

Als at NASA.gov, their streaming HD video from the shuttle and the ISS, however I'm having trouble with it.

Unfortunately most people handle Earth Day much the same way they do starting a fitness program. They go at it for a little bit, recycling plastic bottles etc. but that is as far as it goes, and that often times isn't even continued.
We need to be reminded, prodded, coerced even maybe to do it everyday. Shoot people that are able to, don't even take advantage of mass transit, because of some stupid stigmatism attached to it. They would rather sit in traffic 3 hours or more, burn $12 worth of gas, instead of taking a $3 round trip Metra train, that would take half the time.

I think our legislators have a major role to play in what you mention yeshuas. Check out what the city of Portland Oregon has been able to achieve, not only with bicycles but all alternative forms of transport.

I ride my bike when I can, used to ride it back and forth to work a few years ago, before moving to Chicago area. In the last 30 years or longer I have tried to live close to where I work, within 5 miles if at all possible, so I could utilize my bike as opposed to driving.
Chicago has a pretty good recreational bicycle riding system, like stripped lanes set aside for bikes, but as far as commuting, that is still in the works. They have made a little effort, such as allowing bikes on the metra, a limited number at certain times, which may be increased if more people would show an interest and take advantage.

Sorry but the majority of Americans just aren't going to be able to bike to work. It's sad but true. For those that have the option of doing it, it is a great when it's possible. Nothing cheaper than biking.

What we can (and should) do is encourage public transportation. Firstly, if you buy into Global warming it will cut back on carbon emissions because everybody and their dog won't be driving to work. Secondly, it will greatly reduce the amount of time that it takes to get to work. Thirdly it will greatly reduce the amount of money that is spent getting to work.

I was just recently in Phoenix and I think that it is shameful that such a large city doesn't have a city-transportation plan. Smog is bad (but not as bad some of the other big cities); and traffic is horrible: it takes like 2 hours to get across town.

Phoenix is larger than Los Angeles so 2 hour across is not bad, I agree it is sad they don't have some sort of mass transit system. Chicago is half the size of Phoenix and takes almost as long to drive across, it has a fairly decent mass transit but people just don't use it.

yeshuas wrote:

Phoenix is larger than Los Angeles so 2 hour across is not bad, I agree it is sad they don't have some sort of mass transit system. Chicago is half the size of Phoenix and takes almost as long to drive across, it has a fairly decent mass transit but people just don't use it.

Just wait, they will (gas prices lol)

I agree with the fact that many people will be "green" for a few days but people need to just do it on a regular basis.recycle as much as possible. take the bus or ride your bike to work. buy energy saving lightbulbs. use reusable shopping bags. try shopping at a local co-op. get a car with better gas milage.
its really not that hard and you dont have to do everything but it makes a difference.
keep your eyes open for electric cars and cars with 0 emissions!