Earth Day

I remember not too long ago when observing Earth Day usually meant one day of planting a couple seeds, maybe eating lunch outside and paying a little closer attention to lights being left on. Similar to how some react to all the good cheer surrounding Christmas by wondering why people can't be as warm and generous all year, I sometimes wished that the extra attention could last longer than 24 hours. That's not to suggest I'm Captain Planet or anything. I certainly have my bad habits and can't quite afford a hybrid vehicle yet, but I try to be mindful.

For whatever reason, either an increased concern over global warming or a recognized financial value in conservation, energy consumption and output has become a full-time topic in almost every industry, including politics, business, technology and health care. Consumer products such as light bulbs are constantly improved, environmental policy is a major presidential platform and businesses seek to reduce their footprints. As more leadership emerges from all sectors, people can become more optimistic that the planet can be saved.