NEW YORK, April 18, 2001 -- On April 22, millions of people in more than 180 countries will celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up their neighborhoods, parks and waterways. For those looking for ways to join in the Earth Day celebrations, GORP.com, an outdoor recreation and adventure travel Web site, has listed its top ten ways to help clean up the environment:
1. Join your local Earth Day festivity. Across the country, people will be celebrating Earth Day so get involved in your local area. Check out http://www.earthday.net for regional events.
2. Go a day without driving. Use public transportation, bike, walk, or carpool to your destination. Biking instead of driving to work could save the average American more than 400 gallons of gasoline a year.
3. Plant a tree. The demand for timber and paper, along with recent wildfires and urban sprawl has increased the need for reforestation. Join organizations such American Forests to sustain the future of our forests, or click on http://www.webreleaf.com to learn more.
4. Learn "Leave No Trace" ethics. "Leave No Trace" teaches responsible wilderness travel and increases the enjoyment of the outdoors for all. Visit http://www.LNT.org for more information.
5. Volunteer for a trail cleanup. Spend time with a trail crew to help build, maintain, or restore a path through the trees. Take note: National Trails Day is June 2, 2001.
6. Help clean up our waterways. Every piece of trash that hits the ground eventually ends up in the water. Stem the tide of pollution by helping a group like American Rivers.
7. Become familiar with the principles of ecotourism. Responsible travel makes sure our most beautiful places are not loved to death.
8. Take action to preserve open space. Join some of the folks who are hard at work maintaining our outdoor getaways.
9. Do some backcountry volunteering. Volunteer for a backcountry project and make a solid contribution to rural preservation, restoration and recreation.
10. Enjoy yourself. As the environmental hero David Brower asked, "Whoever said saving the world can't be fun?"
After all is said and done, remember that Earth Day is a celebration of our home.
