Today is an important day for our planet — it’s Earth Day.

The theme of this year’s recognition is “Our Power, Our Plant,” with a focus on uniting around the efforts to grow renewable energy and the goal of tripling the amount of electricity generated by renewable sources by 2030, according to Earthday.org.

The Washington, D.C.-based organization notes that, in 2023, the U.S. produced more solar power than ever before, led by projects in California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona. Texas, the organization reports, leads the nation in wind energy generation, with the U.S. leading the world in advanced geothermal energy production

Every year, Americans join with those living in countries around the world in the celebration of Earth Day. In fact, the event has become the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide, as it serves as a reminder and a re-awakening to citizens to respect the environment.

Looking back to the late 1960s, America was plagued with an abundance of smokestacks, sludge and smog polluting the air, land, rivers and lakes.

But Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, a former senator from Wisconsin, changed how Americans lived by bringing the condition of the environment to the forefront.

On that April day in 1970, approximately 20 million Americans began their fight for a healthier environment. Americans began to speak out against oil spills, toxic landfills, power plants, pesticides and the extinction of wildlife, just to name a few. Today, it is estimated that more than 1 billion people from nearly 200 countries will take part in an Earth Day activity.

Eventually, the first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts.

Today, we live in a cleaner world because of the efforts of so many. But much more can be done.

In celebration of this special day, we suggest perhaps planning some down-to-earth activities. Make plans to put in a garden, or how about committing to take care of a few community garden raised beds?

There are several locations in our Tri-State Area that offer just the right amount of space to plant your favorite vegetables.

How about taking more hikes or biking on our area’s many trails? You and family members or friends can view some of nature’s most beautiful wonders while also getting in some exercise. That’s a win-win.

Or perhaps commit to becoming more earth friendly by properly using recycling bins in our communities; plant a tree or two and help provide shelter for some wildlife and shade during the hot summer days; make a pledge to use LED or halogen bulbs to cut down on lighting expenses in the long run; or begin a composting bin in your backyard to boost your soil’s quality for prettier flowers and shrubs.

Again, it is true there is more we Americans can do to safeguard the environment. But Earth Day 2025 is a day for which we should celebrate much success.