In my previous Another View, I wrote how the Galapagos Islands and the icebergs in Antarctica are being impacted by climate change.

Earth Day, April 22, is a day where individuals globally can have an influence in helping save planet Earth.

According to History.com, “Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day of education about the environmental issues and is now a global celebration that’s sometimes extended into Earth Week, a full seven days of events focused on green living and confronting the climate crisis.

“The brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson (from Wisconsin) and inspired by the protests of the 1960s, Earth Day began as a ‘national teach-in on the environment’ and was held April 22 to maximize the number of students that could be reached on university campuses.

“By raising public awareness of pollution, Nelson hoped to bring environmental causes into the national spotlight.”

Today, Earth Day mobilizes one billion individuals from more than 190 countries to action every year, earthday.org states.

According to earthday.org, the theme for this year is “invest in our planet.”

Our personal choices and actions on the environment can have a profound impact on planet Earth, so this Earth Day, let us all “invest in our planet.”

There are several ways individuals throughout the Lehigh Valley can help planet Earth this Earth Day.

Limit your water usage when brushing your teeth, taking a shower and washing dishes.

Reduce, reuse and recycle any items you no longer need, such as unused or old electronic equipment and papers.

There are a few events planned where you can donate these items and help our planet. State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, is sponsoring a paper shredding event, scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon April 30 in the parking lot of Northampton Banquet and Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave. An electronics recycling and document shredding event, for Whitehall Township residents (proof of residency required) will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or until trucks are full, May 7 at Whitehall High School, 3800 Mechanicsville Road. PPL Electric Utilities will be accepting dehumidifiers and air conditioners for recycling 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 23 at its Lehigh Service Center, 827 Hausman Road, South Whitehall Township. Also, Emmaus Borough and Upper Milford Township will be hosting a joint Environmental Advisory Council electronics recycling and free document shredding event 9-11 a.m. April 23 at Emmaus Community Park, 1389 Shimerville Road.

Get involved in doing environmental work in your local community.

There are a couple of events this weekend where you can volunteer your time to help the environment. South Whitehall Township will be spreading mulch, planting flowers and beautifying the parks 9 a.m.-noon April 23 at Covered Bridge Park, 2466 Wehr Mill Road. Emmaus and Upper Milford will be hosting a joint Environmental Advisory Council Earth Day cleanup 8 a.m.-1 p.m. April 23 at Emmaus Community Park to collect and dispose of litter and debris.

Bring your own bags to the store when you go shopping.

On April 1, the city of Philadelphia officially enacted a bring-your-own-bag policy prohibiting retailers from providing single-use plastic bags that do not meet certain requirements.

Do not forget to educate yourself, loved ones, friends and neighbors on the importance of Earth Day and ways to help save our planet.

Libraries can offer many books on Earth Day as well as educational programs.

Another fantastic way to educate young children and loved ones about Earth Day is Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Party for the Planet scavenger hunt, with different stations to learn about conservation, April 22-24.

Whether you choose to recycle unused or old electronics and papers, volunteer to help clean up litter and debris, beautify a park or educate yourself and loved ones this Earth Day, even the smallest effort can help save our planet for our children, grandchildren and future generations.

How do you plan on helping the environment this Earth Day?

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press