April 22, 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and is an opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and help create a greener environment.  Issues have changed over the past 40 years (from clean air and clean water to global warming and clean energy), but the emphasis of Earth Day has remained the same.  Everyone is still working together to protect the natural environment for humankind and other species.

Earth Day began in the United States and it has spread around the globe. (See more on the history of Earth Day here. An estimated 200 million people in almost 150 countries will participate this year. Many people already follow every day green living tips, so here are some ideas for celebrating Earth Day on April 22.

• Go for a walk alone or with friends and pick up garbage around the neighborhood to keep it green.
• Notice the local park could use some sprucing up? Organize or take part in a park clean-up project.
• Organize a community-wide recycling drive and collect all types of paper, plastic and glass from your neighbors.
• Be car-free for a day if you can. Try walking or biking to school or work. You’re helping the environment and being healthy!
• Take the day to start spring cleaning and donate games, clothes, books, movies and other items to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
• Many towns host an Earth Day 5K run/walk. Get sponsors to help you support an earthy cause.
• Try out your green thumb and grow something. Plant a seed, flower or tree in a pot, garden or backyard.
• If you don’t usually eat organic, try cooking a special Earth Day dinner using organic foods.  Organic Authority offers hundreds of recipes.
• Head to the store and buy eco-friendly compact fluorescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs and LED’s.
• Send Earth Day cards using recycled materials and help spread the word.
• Update your Facebook, Twitter or other social networking sites and spread the word about Earth Day.
• Rent an Earth Day Movie.  Kaboose has created a list of their top ten picks.

To find local Earth Day events, check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s Web site. The EPA also provides a take-home kit for use in celebrating Earth Day with classmates, co-workers and at home.

Here are what our Delta Zeta members are doing today and every day!

- Members of the Lambda Theta Chapter (Michigan Technological University) Travel to Puerto Rico for a Worthy Cause

- Delta Omicron Chapter Helps Clean Local Parks

- Members of Theta Kappa Volunteered at City Park Clean Up 

- Mary Vincent, Beta Kappa '86 (Northern Kentucky University) is a New Kind of Green Entreprenuer