The first Earth Day celebration was held on March 21, 1970, in San Francisco, United States, through the initiative of former Senator Gaylord Nelson who wanted to raise the concern of the public about the change that the environment needs.
(excerpt: http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20080422122486.html)This year, we are celebrating Earth Day on April 22 (yep, today!).
I did a little research and below are activities you can participate in to celebrate Earth Day in the Philippines:
1. Agos: Earth Day 2008 with the theme Tubig, Buhay Natin, Ating Pagyamanin.
VENUE: CCP
TIME: activities start at 7:00 AM
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- clean -up of CCP complex by employees and surrounding stakeholders
- Manila Bay clean-up
- showcase on the water entitled "LAOT"
2. Baga't Hangin Musikahan
VENUE: Public Transport Terminal, SM North EDSA
TIME: 1:30 - 5:00 PM
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- free vehicle emission testing
- free medical check-up from medical practitioners of the Lung Center of the Philippines, Association of Respiratory Therapists of the Philippines, and the VRP Medical Center
3. Garbology Marathon, Fluvial Parade
VENUE: Manila Bay, Fronting Mall of Asia
WHAT TO EXPECT? Click here for more details.
4. Get P40 discount at Starbucks
VENUE: Participating Starbucks outlets (not sure if all)
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- P40 discount on your favorite beverage if you bring your own mug or tumbler. (How's that for waste reduction? :)
- Bottled water and pre-packed juices are not included in this campaign
5. Eco-Party
VENUE: Bacolod City
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Visit this link for more details: http://www.envirolink.org/resource.html?itemid=200801100635110.491881&catid=2
VENUE: Dumaguete City
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Visit this link for more details on week-long activities: http://www.envirolink.org/resource.html?itemid=200803170011130.671764&catid=2
VENUE: Baguio City
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Session road will be closed for activities.
AND many more, I'm sure. These are activities I was able to search on the internet today. If you know of more activities for Earth Day, feel free to post a reply.
For my part, Earth Day shouldn't just be a once-a-year effort. It's the small things we do, our daily contributions, that when put-together, will make a bigger impact on our quest to save our Earth.