Happy Earth Day 2012 from Go Overseas

Plant a tree this Earth Day!

Earth Day is celebrated around the world this Sunday, April 22. As a leader in worldwide travel, Go Overseas is proud to support the mission of Earth Day. Though many of us have heard of Earth Day, we may not understand its significance. Take a few minutes today to think about your impact on the environment and learn about Earth Day.

What is Earth Day? A Little History

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator from Wisconsin. Nelson sought to make environmental protection a national priority. The founding of Earth Day has led to many important changes like the establishment of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. This environmental holiday, coordinated by the Earth Day Network, is now nationally recognized and celebrated in more than 180 countries.

Earth Day is a time for people of all beliefs and backgrounds to come together in recognition and appreciation of the environment and all of its beauty and resources that we couldn't live without. From climate change and clean energy to water and air pollution and oil spills, environmental consciousness is more important now than ever.

What can you do to celebrate Earth Day?

There are numerous ways to give back and help our planet on Earth Day. You don't need to go to an event to celebrate- plant a tree, turn off the lights, unplug electronic devices, and learn about everyday sustainability practices.

Here are some events around the world celebrating Earth Day:

• Earth Day Latino - Los Angeles, CA
• Picnic for the Planet, the Nature Conservancy - around the world
• Earth Day at the National Mall - Washington, DC
• Making Children Aware of Plants and Trees - Anand, Gujarat, India
• The Circle of Seeds - Italy

One example of our daily contribution to a greener Earth here at Go Overseas is our sustainable transportation practices. We are lucky to be in Berkeley, CA where public transportation, as well as walking and biking, is highly accessible and encouraged. Everyone who works at Go Overseas either walks, bikes, buses, or rides the BART train to work. Encourage people you work with to commute to work in environmentally sustainable ways!

Visit the Earth Day Network's website to learn more about the ways you can help advocate Earth Day and find Earth Day events near you!

Live every day like it's Earth Day! What does Earth Day mean to you?