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Marking its 42nd anniversary on Sunday, April 22, 2012 Earth Day will be celebrated by millions in the US, Canada, and around the world.

The idea behind the day - honoring the planet and all living things that inhabit it - began during the early 1960's hippie movement, as Earth Day bloomed into a grass roots cause that eventually culminated in the first official U.S. observance celebrated in 1970.

Today, many cities extend Earth Day celebrations for an entire week to increase awareness of recycling and better energy efficient communities that culminates with official Earth Day observances on April 22.

In 2012, watch for major campaigns to help get more people involved in recycling, planting a tree, and other activities aimed at helping to protect the only planet we've got.

Just up ahead, discover detailed information about what else happens on the big day - with facts, news, student projects, coloring pages, crafts ideas, information and history, as well as environmental events & festivities, celebrations & activities across the US and Canada ...

More about Earth Day around the Web:

Earth Day - Envirolink Resource Guide - ...gather 'round for an information-packed site offering up a history of the day, scheduled events around the U.S. and Canada, and an organizer's guide to help you plan your own activities & celebrations including ideas for scavenger hunts, festivals and contests.

Crafts for Earth Day - Fun for kids of all ages with Earth Day coloring pages and ideas for making kites and "Litter Bugs" from recyclables, and complete instructions for melted crayon and tissue paper globes, nature place mats and more.

Planet Pals - Kid-friendly community with fun facts, activities, and resources for learning more about planet Earth, recycling & conservation, and lots of links to Earth Day information around the Web.

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt - Great learning resource as young visitors answer questions on this virtual hunt with related Earth Day online games & activities.

Earth Day Network - The whole earth catalog of regional sites around the globe with the latest news, listings of events, feature stories, online quizzes, factoids, feature stories, teaching resources.

Earth Day Canada - Including information on festivals, walks and community news throughout the country, plus a complete how-to on celebrating the day in your neighborhood, with related tips and kids' resources.

Earth Day - Wikipedia - A good overview on the history of American environmental concerns, the origins of the celebration plus links to more on international events.

Earth Day Celebrations, Events & Activities

also see -> Environmental Science | Global Warming | Earth Hour

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