Large or small, each green action we take—from workplace commitments to reduce, reuse and recycle to individual initiatives like riding a bike to work—helps to protect the integrity of our irreplaceable planet. We have come a long way from the first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, that activated 20 million Americans. Today, the Earth Day Network (EDN) collaborates with 22,000 partners in 192 countries, and 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the world’s largest annual civic observance.

More progress is needed, however. “This Earth Day, we are mobilizing people on the planet simply to say one thing: The Earth won’t wait,” advises EDN Director of Earth Day, Franklin Russell, noting that environmental issues are frequently put on the back burner in the face of global economic challenges. “All too often, we hear of another oil spill or pipeline break, or another mountain leveled to mine for dirty coal. It’s time that we mobilize the Earth and speak with one voice, one message,” he asserts. “It’s time that our leaders put us on the path to sustainability.”

EDN invites us to help build the momentum by continuing to participate in the Billion Acts of Green campaign launched for Earth Day 2011. Its goal is to record a billion acts of environmental service and advocacy before Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, taking place this June, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To date, more than 499 million acts have been pledged—a powerful cause for hope. “I’m resolutely optimistic,” says Denis Hayes, organizer of the original Earth Day. “I think it’s really valuable for everyone in the world, even for a day, to do something for the environment and think about the Earth.”

Take Part Now

Pledge your own green act today at EarthDay.org and help mobilize the Earth by attending and supporting one or more of these local Earth Day 2012 events.

Oak Cliff Earth Day
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Lake Cliff Park, 1200 N. Zang Blvd, Dallas
Over 15 Vendors, festivities from noon – 6 p.m.
Entertainment scheduled all day

2012 Eco Fest
“KeepN” Our City Green,
April 15, Noon – 5 p.m.
sponsored by Promise of Peace Garden
7446 East Grand Ave., Dallas
Local musicians on solar powered stage; Eco-friendly educational exhibits, Fun kids activities

Fort Earth Party
April 13, 11:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m.
Trinity Park, Ft. Worth
Zero-waste event includes vendors, educational exhibits, free hotdog lunch.
Kids activities and entertainment by Vocal Trash.

Celebrate Nature
April 13, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney
Outdoor festival with green vendors, demonstrations, live animal presentations and guided trail tours.

Eco Coppell Earth Fest
April 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Town Center Plaza
Earthen Ware vendors, carved wood art, organic foods, handmade jewelry and environmental education booths, kids’ crafts, live music, plant sale, hybrid car show and entertainment by Vocal Trash.