Cherish The Earth

CHERISH THE EARTH is an initiative in support of Earth Day – and, much more importantly, in support of Earth-aware and Earth-friendly actions all year long, by residents now and those to come.
Click Here to go directly to the Earth Quiz!

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Read on for further details …
What’s It About?
Imagine a fish in a small fish bowl. Add in ten more fish, or twenty, or fifty. Put a lid on the bowl and start turning it up and down, all around. Remove some of the water. Add in pollutants unhealthy for fish. And so on.
We are like the fish. And we control the contents of the bowl -- that of the fish and that of the Planet, our own living environment.
Think about it: the Earth is so expansive. But, like the bowl, it has a physical limit. It can only take so many people, so much pollution, so much consumption of resources before the ill effects start to show up.
Our bodies are the same way. And the condition of our health, vitality and even mental and emotional wherewithal tie right back to the condition of the Earth.
Earth Day is a designated "holiday" to acknowledge the value of the Earth and its resources, as well as our dependency on them. But, just as with Christmas, birthdays, and other such occasions, the acknowledgements have little meaning if we fail to back them up with genuine, demonstrated regard - whether for family and friends, people in general, or the Earth. Not just on one day, but every day of the year.
Through Cherish The Earth, a menu of steps is being created for showing that regard … steps that can be taken by virtually everyone, whether large or small, at a cost or free, at home, in business, by communities, by the government or otherwise in everyday living.
Share Your Thoughts!
A nationwide survey is underway to find out what people across the nation can and will do to Cherish the Earth. Initial survey responses will be reported through this Web page on April 22, 2006, the next official Earth Day. See below.
Take the Earth Quiz . Include actions, ideas, suggestions, or other ways to Cherish The Earth. It matters not whether the steps are large or small … all steps can help, and the combination of yours with those of others can make a powerful difference!
To be included in the pre- Earth Day highlights, please respond by midnight Thursday, April 20. Responses to the Earth Quiz will be accepted until midnight May 15.
Earth Guidance, For Everyday Folks
The Earth Quiz results will be compiled so that others can learn from and be inspired by them. “Cherish the Earth: The Everyday Person’s Guidebook”, will include the results plus other timely information on ways to make a difference. It will also feature insights and strategies for achieving your goals and sticking to commitments.
The first twenty who complete the Earth Quiz will receive a free downloadable edition of “Cherish the Earth: The Everyday Person’s Guidebook”, as a special acknowledgement of your commitment.
Your Actions Count!
Through this site and through the Cherish Guidebook, others will have the opportunity to learn and be inspired to action. That will be possible because of your participation in the Earth Quiz.
Thinking about what "we” and you can do may even inspire action on your part that otherwise would not have occurred!
If everyone takes one small step, a huge difference can be made. Do the math… one person can make a difference, and the combined efforts of many can change the world. The more who act, the greater the results, for everyone. All it takes is the willingness to act.
Want to Help Even More?
Come back to this site on, or after the big day, to see highlights of what others had to say.
Choose from the virtual menu the things you can do to make a difference.
Commit to steps that you will take ... and follow through.
Contribute $6.00 or more to the Cherish the Earth education fund (tax deductible) and get a copy of the Cherish the Earth Guidebook.
Your contribution (see below) will assist in the sponsorship of more educational programs and projects to help Americans make a difference for the future of our country, by steps to Cherish the Earth. In fact, a generous donor will match the donations dollar for dollar toward that end, so your support will go even farther.
Thanks for Participating!
Thanks for taking the time to visit this site. And congratulations as well!
Be sure to complete the Earth Quiz, and scroll on for the Cherish Guidebook.
We wish you a happy Earth Day and many more!

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Beginning Results!
The results are coming in. Initial responses emphasize steps like:

Plant More Trees! -- Trees provide environmental beauty, help clear the air and reduce the need for energy use for air conditioning. Their cooling power can be a passive form of energy resource. Planting fruit trees is an easy means toward sustainability, providing the above benefits plus a source of food. Organic growing methods avoid energy and other resource use for fertilizers and pesticides. If each homeowner plants a tree a year, they can create these attributes plus enhance the value of their property. Many great reasons to Plant More Trees.

Use Solar Energy -- Solar is a "renewable" energy source. Unlike "fossil fuels" that are in limited supply, they are available on an ongoing basis ... they renew themselves over and over. Solar energy is clean and a ready means of energy conservation. Solar water heaters can be used to heat home water as well as swimming pools. Home water heating typically accounts for about 20% of the home utility bill. Solar electric systems are also available for residential and other uses.

Prudent Resource Use -- Make conscious choices in how much and how many, rather than being on "auto pilot". Exercise simple steps like turning off lights and other electric devices when not in use, consolidating trips for less gasoline use, walking rather than driving, conserving water and so on.

Bring on Alternative Fuels -- Don't just talk about it, act now ... alternative energy sources are a must for the future, and investments are needed now in order for them to be in place for years to come.

Many more to come, and think of your own. What can you do ... what can you inspire others to do by your actions? Every step counts. Take yours now, including by responding to the Earth Quiz if you've not already!