According to the University of California, Santa Barbara, 40 percent of plastic produced is made for packaging and is used just once then thrown away. Other statistics from Brigham Young University – Idaho shows that if every subscriber for the single run of the Sunday New York Times would recycle, it would save 75,000 trees. Little differences can make a big difference in our planet’s livelihood. Educating our local citizens about our impact on the planet is how we can make a big difference.

The Whitley County Fine Arts agent organized a unique opportunity for the community by providing an educational celebration of conserving our planet. During the 7^th annual Earth Day Celebration we had 150 in attendance from the community. Each person went around to 13 different vendors made up of Whitley County Extension Staff, University of Kentucky specialists, the Whitley County Health Department, community members, and local park services. The vendors had information on conservation methods, gave away books to children that emphasized the environment, and local environmental education opportunities. They were educated on reusable food storage choices, impacts on using plastic bags, growing home plants from seeds, and more! Hands on activities were provided, like making your own shopping bags and a tree giveaway.

Every participant in attendance received a tree from the forestry service, given by the Whitley County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent. One of our goals is to increase the number of trees grown in the county which increases carbon sequestration from our atmosphere to help reduce the effects of global warming. Ninety-nine percent of people stated they use the plastic zipper bags and were extremely interested in the reusable option. They were unaware of the impact of plastic to our health and environment. We are gladly offering this program on future Earth Days because education surrounding this topic is imperative to the health of our community and environment. The Earth Day celebration has proven to be an impactful event.