Unfortunately, we still need Earth Day. To be sure, America has made significant progress in awareness since that first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. As the years have rolled by, the annual event has broadened and now countries around the world mark this special day. In its inaugral year, 20 million Americans took to streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Various groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values. As we mark the 42nd observance of Earth Day, energized residents around the world can see the progress made in their locales. However, they also see many areas that still beg for attention and solutions. Reclaiming damaged environments and sustaining and maintaining salvaged fragile ecosystems will require vigilent monitoring for years to come. Our youth must continue to be educated about Earth friendly living as well as encouraged to get involved both in their personal lifestyles and in organized activities with likeminded people. We may always need Earth Day. If you haven’t already attended an observance, participate this Sunday at the celebration in Fairhope. Play it forward.