Today marks the 35th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day offers a great opportunity for us, the human caretakers of this planet, to appreciate and celebrate our connection with the Earth.

We urge people to take some time to do a few simple things today, such as:

– Get involved. Take even a small step, like recycling that soda can at work or taking your own bags to the supermarket. Recycle at home. We’re fortunate within our county to have a comprehensive recycling program.

– Spend time in a natural environment. Visit a park or garden. Ride your bike. Take a walk. And if you see some unsightly garbage, why not pick it up? Or better yet, do your own little neighborhood cleanup. (Tomorrow presents another opportunity at Myre-Big Island State Park to help with lakeshore cleanup. Meet there at 9 a.m. if you want to help.)

– Buy a plant or start a garden. Plants help clean the air, are visual expressions of nature’s beauty, and uplift the soul and spirit.

– Think green and shop green to help protect the Earth: Vote for the environment with your consumer dollars and make wiser and healthier choices for you and your family by buying natural, environmentally friendly products: an organic version of one of your favorite food items, a natural cleaner, recycled paper products, or a compact fluorescent light bulb.

We can all do our part to show our appreciation and love for the Earth, not just on Earth Day, but every day.