IDEM to participate in 2009 Earth Day Indiana Celebration This Weekend

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana residents will be celebrating the environment around the state this week as communities honor the 39th Earth Day. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) will be joining the festivities in Indianapolis at the Earth Day Indiana free outdoor festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at the American Legion Mall.

The national theme of this year's Earth Day is "the green generation," which is encouraging people around the world to take steps to change their everyday habits to improve our environment and world. "Earth Day is the first completely international and universal holiday that the world has ever known," said anthropologist Margaret Mead in 1977. "This day is tied to Earth itself, and to the place of Earth in the whole solar system."

Hoosiers that are interested in making simple changes in their lives can take the Hoosier's Care Pledge, which suggests small actions like utilizing compact fluorescent light bulbs, turning down the water heater, and using low phosphorus fertilizers.

"Earth Day is a wonderful time to rededicate ourselves to actions that can improve and protect our environment," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "Small changes when multiplied by six million Hoosiers can create a large, positive state-wide impact."

The Hoosiers Care initiative is a collaborative effort of six state agencies, including: the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana Office of Energy Development, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

 These agencies help educate Hoosiers on simple steps they can take to protect their environment.

More detailed information about the Hoosiers Care program and conservation tips can be found at www.HoosiersCare.IN.gov.