Earth Week kicks off today and culminates with the 40-year anniversary of Earth Day on April 22. Earth Day is the largest and most widely celebrated international environmental event in the world, designed to reflect on our planet and environment and think about issues like this that threatens it and the steps we can take to keep it healthy.

The first Earth Day officially began in 1970. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor given in the US, for his role as founder.

Nelson tells his story in an article titled How Earth Came About, and said that it was designed “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda. It was a gamble, but it worked.”

In 1970, when Earth Day originated, there was little government concern of the environment. Leaded gas and paint was in use, factories were bellowing out smoke that polluted rivers and streams with waste products. The resulting air and water pollution was accepted because it was the signs of a prospering country.

20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day, demanding a cleaner, healthier and more stable environment. The first Earth Day had a great impact on society:

• The Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970.
• The Clean Air Act was passed in 1970.
• Within three years, new programs were developed including:

                                       –The Clean Water Act

                                       –The Endangered Species Act

                                       –The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

On the 20^th anniversary of 1970, Denis Hayes organized a global campaign, and over 200 million people in more than 140 countries participated, bringing awareness to a national stage, boosting recycling efforts and helping to pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

This year over 1.5 billion people are expected to participate in Earth Day around the world in more than 170 countries.

The 2010 Green Products Expo was held Feb 18 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The media only event was a huge success for our over 300 media attendees and our wonderful group of exhibitors. View pictures of the show.

 The press coverage has been great so far, and we look forward to getting more coverage in the coming weeks.

 Some of the press coverage our exhibitors have received so far:

 The Epoch Times

 CNN Money

 NY-TV 1

 Silive

 Shelter Pop

 Main Street

 Idea For Home

 NY City News

The response to the show has been overwhelming. We have five exhibitors who were so thrilled with our event that they have already registered for our Holiday Gift Guide Show in May.

Thanks to all exhibitors and media attendees who helped make our Green Products Expo the most successful Propel Media Event to date.

We will keep you updated on our 4^th annual Green Products Expo that is coming February 2011.

 There are easy and fun ways to turn this season into a green holiday and do your part for the environment while saving yourself money. We do not expect people to use all of these ideas, but if everyone could use one of two, think of the impact that we could have on the environment this Holiday Season

• —The first thing, and the easiest, is to simply buy less. Instead of buying many store bought products, think about the things that are most important to your loved ones and focus on that. The thoughtfulness of the gift is really what matters most.
• —For the kids, focus on toys that are battery free. Most estimates are that up to 40% of all battery sales occur over the holiday season. Instead focus on toys that do not require batteries at all and can still generate as much fun.
• —Do not use so many holiday lights. Many companies now sell LED lights that use up to 95% of the energy used by traditional lights. Besides, your neighbors will probably thank you.
• —Get a live Christmas tree.  There are arguments for both artificial and live trees, but in the end live trees win. They trap lots of carbon dioxide from the environment, are biodegradable, can be composted or used for mulch and they smell and look great. Artificial trees are convenient, but contain too many plastics and metals and many are made oversees.
• —Make gifts this year. There are many great websites, like DIY Network, and resources to make soap, candles, or other gifts. Not only is it sustainable and thoughtful, it saves money and the hassle of dealing with the malls.
• —Use old newspaper or paper bags instead of wrapping paper. The wrapping paper industry is making cheaper and thinner paper, but think of all the trees that are wasted every year just by your family. No one will notice the difference as they tear into their gifts this season. If you must use wrapping paper, consider buying from a company that sells plantable seeded paper that grows.
• —Cut out the holiday cards. It is easier to send an electronic card, and it cuts way down on the waste. Nearly 300,000 trees could be saved this holiday season if everyone cut out their cards.
• —Think about what you are giving. If the person that you are buying for likes sports, buy them tickets to a big game. If they are into the movies, buy several movie tickets. If it is a golfer on your list, buy a round or two at their favorite course or lessons to hone their game before next season.
• —Gifts should make lives easier. Some of the best gifts can be simple but meaningful. Give a neighbor a date night and say you will watch the kids for an evening. Give your mom a night off and plan on cooking a family meal at your house instead of hers.
• —Reuse. More people are hosting parties where you bring a gift that cannot be bought in the store. Everyone has something lying around the house that can be given away. This is a great way to cut back on clutter and to find a new home for the gift that you got last year that never knew what to do with (see the first bulleted point.)
• —Conserve electricity by burning candles. Not only do they smell great, but beeswax, soy and vegetable oil candles are biodegradable and can really get you into the holiday spirit.