Earth Day: US bats for energy conservation

Conserve energy, use less water, and commute smart. These are some of the environmentally conscious suggestions the United States government is making as the world marks Earth Day on Sunday, April 22. "Earth Day is held each year on April 22 and celebrated around the world as a day to recognize our environment and a time to assess the work still needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet," the US Embassy in Manila said on its website. It added that in the US, many citizens mark the entire month of April "Earth Month" to affirm that environmental awareness is part of the country’s consciousness. This also affirms that the idea of protecting the environment, once the province of a few conservationists, has moved from the extreme to the mainstream of American thought. In its Earth Day website (www.earthday.gov), the US government said Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day, which began in 1970, is a time to unite around new actions. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet, it added. Under the Bush government, the US said the federal government is "cleaning the air, promoting land conservation, and improving water quality." On the other hand, it urged people at home to help out by saving energy, using less water, and reducing, reusing and recycling products. Students and teachers in classrooms can learn more about issues, while workers can commute smartly and reduce energy use. - GMANews.TV