Celebrate Earth Day! by Charlie Speicher

Celebrate Earth Day

by Charlie Speicher

In 1970, a few concerned yet passionate individuals joined forces to create the first annual Earth Day. This newly created holiday was to be set aside as a day, amongst other things, to reflect on the impact that humans have upon the earth. It’s also a day which allows us to highlight ways of ensuring that future generation’s quality of life will not be inhibited by our actions in the present. In the spirit of those original Earth Day pioneers, The S.A.V.E. Foundation will be hosting Helena’s annual Earth Day festivities on Sunday, April 22nd at the outdoor commons area of Carroll College from 12 to 4 p.m.

For the past several years, The S.A.V.E. Foundation has held similar Earth Day celebrations in Helena. This year will be no different as S.A.V.E. has gathered a remarkable lineup of speakers, musicians, exhibits, and festivities for the day’s events. This year’s speakers include Steve Loken, a nationally recognized Alternative Building Specialist from Missoula; Senator John Brueggeman, one of Montana’s strongest bio-diesel advocates; Bob Raney, a member of the Public Service Commission and tireless advocate for a clean environment; and George Ochenski, a widely published Montana writer and adventurer.

Local exhibits on conservation will be provided by groups such as the Alternative Energy Resource Organization, Montana Renewable Energy Association, NorthWestern Energy, and several other groups to display key environmental issues facing Montana today. Also, S.A.V.E. will be collecting Type1 and 2 plastics to be recycled throughout the day’s events.

Local musical talent The Third Wheels will be taking the stage at 2:30 with their eclectic blend of booty shaking soul, reggae, and Americana. The ClimbHelena organization will be in attendance as well unveiling their first annual slack-line competition for all brave attendees to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the most successful slack-liners.

While Earth Day is a time to celebrate what we can all do in terms of environmental stewardship, this year will also celebrate some of the proactive legislation that will benefit Montana's environment. Three bills in particular including Senate Bill 449, which will increase the efficiency of state-owned vehicles; SB 185, which creates a new category of electric vehicle to be used by urban residents; House Bill 259, which will legalize the use of grey water systems to conserve household water; and House Bill 555, which will create an education program to help facilitate electronic waste recycling. “These are very simple yet effective bills that allow important conservation choice to take place in Montana,” says S.A.V.E. Director Matt Elsaesser, who was S.A.V.E.'s Co-lobbyist with student intern Tyler Evilsizer of Carroll College. "Our niche this session was legislation that connected us to positive choices for the environment," said Evilsizer, a junior in political science. "This will be another great Earth Day with that same positive message and a fun time for all ages."


For more information regarding this years Earth Day events or SAVE news in general, please visit www.Savemobile.org.

Charlie Speicher is a Board Member of The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment Foundation, a Helena based non-profit that promotes recycling and environmental stewardship. Charlie is Senior at Carroll College majoring in Environmental Studies.