04/09/07 Taking Care of Mother Earth

April is Earth Month with April 22 being Earth Day. It's a time that we reflect on this planet of ours and take stock in her health. The Earth Day movement was started some 38 years ago. Laurie Howell is the vice president of communications with the Earth Day Network, the organization that started it all. HOWELL: It was originally organized because we didn't have legislation in place that would protect the basic water and air that we all have a right to; clean water  clean air. After 1970, several important pieces of legislation including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act and even the EPA was created after that very important first Earth Day. It started out in the United States and has spread out internationally. Howell noted that this year is an especially important one. HOWELL: This happens to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest Earth Day because we have for the first time since it was created in 1970 an environmental issue that is being debated and focused on by the entire world. We all have the one concern in common, no matter where we are located of global warming. So it makes Earth Day 2007 a very, very big day indeed. Earth Day has long been about cleaning up polluted and trash laden environments but Howell says it's also about taking care of ourselves. HOWELL: It's also a day we take to look at ourselves and what we're doing individually so we're not just looking in the larger scale but we're looking to ourselves as well and how we can make a difference. Ag producers have long been good stewards of the earth since their livelihood comes from the earth and Howell suggests a few ways everyone can help out. HOWELL: Saving water and saving energy are good tips because let's face it, not only is it beneficial for the planet, it also saves our pocketbook. So looking for the EnergyStar label when you're looking for energy products such as appliances and looking for the Water Sense label when you're dealing with things that have to do with water such as your faucets and showerheads. These are important because they save in a couple of different ways. Howell says that while changing from old incandescent lights to the new energy efficient variety can be a bit more money up front, there is a significant savings in the long run. And something as simple as making sure the tire pressure in your car is correct can save money and energy. Tomorrow we look at the Earth Day Networks "Go Organic" campaign. That's today's Line On Agriculture. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.