April 22 is Earth Day. Every day should be ‘Earth Day’, treated with the knowledge and awareness that seems to focus like the hot spot under a magnifying glass every spring, sadly, only to be diffused away with the horror of the next big oil spill or the inconvenience of taking the bus.

At least, it felt that way in the past.

Recent years have seen an unprecedented growth in communication in the way of social media. Facebook, Twitter, comment boards and an array of devices to utilize them produces a tangible way to participate and share experiences. Not only does this inspire others, it builds a very necessary sense of ‘connection’, that we are in this together, and shows what others are doing and the impacts these actions are having.

“A Billion Acts of Green” is the theme from the Earth Day Network, which runs Earthday.org. This organization arose from the first officially celebrated Earth Day in April 22, 1970 and has been at the forefront of the modern environmental movement. With over 1 billion people observing Earth Day around the world, it is credited (fittingly) as the largest civic observance on the planet.

The goal of A Billion Acts of Green is to utilize its global network to inspire people, groups, corporations, towns, states, countries… to collectively generate a billion acts of environmental advocacy and service before the Rio +20 Earth Summit 2012, which takes place from July 4^th – 6^th in Rio de Janeiro. The summit is a gathering of politicians and heads of state whose goal is to find a sustainable way to develop the planet and provide a future in which the global population can enjoy the best standard of living possible, while at the same time preserving our natural resources.

The Earth Day Network combined with a newfound ability to organize has grown to the point where numerous, more focused, efforts have spawned from the larger idea.

The Canopy Project: Helps to fight deforestation.

Green Schools: Has set a goal to green all schools within a generation.

Athletes for the Earth: Olympic and professional athletes bring their voices and visibility to the movement.

Creating Climate Wealth: A gathering of 200 entrepreneurs to help solve climate change and create a green economy.

Arts for the Earth: Celebrating the work of environmental artists.

These are just a few, as this event creates numerous opportunities on all levels to participate. Often, local or regionally impacting issues and events will utilize this day to rally deserved awareness and support. Another suggestion for Earth Day would be to avoid the crowds and hit the beach (ok, lesser crowds). Take a moment to appreciate living in one of the most beautiful parts of this great country. Stand in awe of the ocean and the sun that sets beyond it. Acknowledge the importance of the Earth Day idea, even if you don’t agree with the politics. And maybe pick up a piece of trash on your way back.

www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011