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by Tess Wolfe
Reporter

On April 22, we can join with others around the globe to take notice of a resource everyone on the planet depends on -- the planet itself.

Earth Day, the "largest secular holiday in the world," is celebrated annually by more than a billion people, according to the Earth Day Web site. The first Earth Day, founded by then-Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, took place April 22, 1970.

We may need an annual event such as Earth Day to remind us that our planet is living and organic. It isn't like a disposable battery or a favorite car we don't have anymore because it just got too expensive to maintain.

In honor of the international event, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, will host a three-tier Earth Day celebration April 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Firestone Metro Park's Coventry Pavilion, 40 Axline Ave. in Akron.

"It's our inaugural Earth Day celebration," said Christine O'Neill, marketing and communications specialist for the park district.

That evening, the park system will accept items to be recycled. The first 100 individuals or families to bring items such as cardboard, phone books, newspapers, magazines, books, used batteries, cell phones, computers, VCRs, radios and even infant car seats each will receive a green mesh nylon bag that can be reused and attached to a keychain, according to O'Neill.

Donations from businesses will not be accepted, she said, adding televisions will not be accepted as donations.

"We are encouraging people to bring things they don't know what to do with," she said.

The second tier of the evening begins at 6 p.m., with a nature hike led by volunteers Dave Gates and Pat Patterson.

"Our volunteers will be teaching, 'Leave No Trace' ethics," said O'Neill.

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a nonprofit organization whose principles emphasize planning, preparation and leaving minimal impact on outdoor areas, according to the group's Web site.

"We've been increasingly aware of one's impact on the environment," O'Neill said. "[The park district] is trying to make as little impact as possible, such as not using invasive plants in the area. Recycling is definitely a big issue."

Thirdly, booths will be set up with representatives from the Summit-Akron Solid Waste Authority and other organizations to provide information to visitors about recycling and other environmental issues.

The Earth is full of life -- life that is affected by our daily decisions here in Ohio.

Edward Hale is attributed with saying, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."

On April 22, take time to remind yourself just how dependent we are on an environment that depends on us to take care of it.

We live on the only planet we'll ever have. No do-overs on this one.

For information about Metro Parks, Serving Summit County Earth Day events, call 330-867-5511.

For more information about Earth Day, go to ww2.earthday.net.

E-mail: twolfe@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3916