Earth Month 2010: It's Easy Being Green!

During the month of April, Earth Month, Earth Day, and National Environmental Education Week are all observed. Safer healthier people depend on a healthy environment, so learn what you can do to go green!

Earth Day

April 22, 2010 is Earth Day, and more than a billion individuals across 190 countries will come together to work toward a healthier and more sustainable planet. CDC is proud to be a part of this effort. We recognize that healthier, safer people depend on a healthy environment. We are part of an ecosystem that we must protect in order to sustain our own ability to thrive and live healthy lives.

CDC sees the health of our people and the health of our environment as interconnected. We integrate sustainable practices into our daily operations in order to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy use
• Conserve natural resources through purchasing, operations
  and waste management
• Promote health and wellness
• Lead, communicate, and engage the community in sustainable practices

In 2008, CDC established the Agency-wide Go Green, Get Healthy initiative to reduce, reuse, and recycle resources; promote health; and encourage positive work environments. CDC employees work together in volunteer workgroups led by the CDC Office of Sustainability. All year round, but especially during Earth Month and on Earth Day, the workgroups cover the following sectors:

• Electronics Management
• Facilities and Greenspace & Water and Energy Conservation
• Food
• Green Communications
• Green Meetings
• Green Purchasing
• Recycling
• Transportation and Telework
• Worksite Wellness

National Environmental Education Week

The 2010 National Environmental Education Week, led by a CDC partner, will address the issues of water and energy conservation through the theme "Be Water and Energy Wise." This week is sponsored every year in mid-April by the National Environmental Education Foundation in anticipation and celebration of Earth Day. Its purpose is to promote understanding and protection of the natural world through learning and service. Find out more about how to Be Water and Energy Wise.

What You Can Do

CDC wants to encourage you and your family, workplace, or community group to participate in or start up some activities in honor or Earth Month, Earth Day, or National Environmental Education Week.

• Consider transportation choices like biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transit.
• Consider electronic documents when possible; if you need to print do so responsibly (double sided, recycle paper when done).
• Make environmentally conscious food choices.
  • Consider sustainable and local foods.
  • Hold a green potluck – bring healthy foods, use reusable plates, utensils, and napkins.
• Create your own green spaces – plant a tree or vegetable garden at home, school, or work!

More Information

• CDC's Environmental Health Website
• Healthy Homes
• Healthy Water
• Health + Earth Feature
• Climate and Health Feature
• Going Green Feature
• Be Safe and Healthy in the Garden Feature
• Spring Seedlings Feature

References

• Earth Day 2010 Action Center
• National Environmental Education Week
• EPA Earth Day
• White House GreenGov