Earth Day Everyday

The following is a column by Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson:

Last month we joined our neighbors across the country in celebrating Earth Day. In its earliest years, during the 1970s, Earth Day was our nation beginning to recognize environmental problems at home. Millions rallied for action. The result was major federal legislation including the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and passage of the Clean Air Act.

In the decades that followed, the federal government has put cleaning up the environment on the back burner.

Fortunately, we have once again entered an era where the public is demanding action. Millions of people from coast to coast are going green; and state after state is following suit. Kansas is a leader in this movement, blazing a trail to a cleaner and greener future.

The State Capitol and its neighboring buildings have recycled more than 169 tons of what a generation ago would have seen as merely garbage. As a result, we have saved 56,394 gallons of oil; 2,522 trees; and avoided 85,000 pounds of air pollution. Statewide, Kansans recycle nearly 700,000 tons of material each year.

In Greensburg, residents and supporters are taking steps to become one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the country as they rebuild their town. Good things are certainly happening.

Here are five things that everyone can do to have an immediate impact on the environment:

1. Use recycled paper and recycle the paper you use.
2. Cut back on disposable items such as plates, bottles and cups.
3. Say no to plastic bags; instead utilize reusable bags.
4. Save water by installing a low flow shower fixture.
5. Start a Green Team at your school or work (www.kansasgreenteams.org).

Together we can make Earth Day everyday and make a cleaner, greener Kansas for everyone.

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