The start of April heralded not only the arrival of Spring, but also the busiest month so far this year for NC GreenPower. With warmer temperatures drawing people back to their outdoor activities and nature coming alive with vibrant colors and fragrances as the cycle of the seasons begins anew, it is only natural that April should also have hosted the worldwide celebration of the planet and its natural heritage – Earth Day.

First celebrated in 1970, this worldwide celebration focusing on protecting our planet, our children and our future, welcomed millions of people around the globe to its 35-year anniversary observance this year. Here in North Carolina, dozens of events on or around Earth Day, April 22, provided educational and recreational activities for people of all ages to learn more about the environment and to enjoy the shared heritage that all humans enjoy as inhabitants of Planet Earth.

NC GreenPower events

NC GreenPower was around the state during April sharing the message of cleaner, renewable energy options with the people of North Carolina. NC GreenPower team members and affiliates participated in more than 25 official events and speaking engagements in April, nearly three times the number or events in the same month last year. This increase in activities reflects NC GreenPower’s continued commitment to build on past successes and continually expand awareness and participation among North Carolinians.

This year’s activities were centered around each of NC GreenPower’s primary market segments: civic groups, environmental groups, faith-based communities, educational institutions, business and industry, and state and federal government organizations. New for 2005 is an increased presence at events involving the faith-based community and small business, two groups that showed great interest in the program during the past year.

Activities during April, often referred to as Earth Month, included festivals, exhibitions, conferences and small group speaking engagements. For a complete list of upcoming activities, view our event calendar.

One particular group that deserves mention during the frenzy of activity are the members of the all-volunteer NC GreenPower Speakers Bureau, who give of their time to offer presentations and staff exhibits at the many events attended across the state. Without the efforts of these individuals, participation in the more than two dozen events scheduled during April would not have been possible.

About Earth Day

Earth Day began 35 years ago largely as a worldwide demonstration on environmental issues. On April 22 of that year, 20 million Americans took to the street to advocate for a healthier, more sustainable environment. The event was such a success that its recognized founder, Sen. Gaylord Nelson, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work in bringing about the event. Today, Earth Day has become one of the premier environmental education and outreach events in the world. And each year on April 22, hundreds of millions of people around the globe celebrate this time-honored event and declare that this planet and all of its inhabitants have value and deserve to be protected.

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