We'll admit a certain dread when Earth Day rolls around as many well-meaning folks will trot out a 66-year-old photo of the Cuyahoga River as an example of what will happen if Scott Pruitt/EPA/Donald Trump get their way. We admire the engaged activism but folks, the Cuyahoga River ain't burning anytime soon. There are simply too many stakeholders who use the river and understand how a cleaner, greener river serves as an economic driver for the region. Besides - we've tried to set the river on fire - it doesn't work.

This year's Earth Day has a more tangible theme: End Plastic Pollution, and the day is "dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human attitude and behavior about plastics." The Earth Day Network is inviting you to help end plastic pollution by finding out how many plastic items you consume every year and make a PLEDGE to reduce the amount.

In the Cleveland area you can act locally with a couple of beach and trash pick-ups:

You can also celebrate Earth Day by getting out and enjoying a trail near you! Rails to Trails Conservancy recently kicked the season off with their 6th annual Opening Day for Trails on April 7. In Cleveland, Cleveland Rowing Foundation hosted Sustainable Cleveland, Bike Cleveland, Canalway Partners, Cuyahoga County Planning, NOACA, Ohio City Bike Co-Op and Brick and Barrel Brewing on an event that encouraged hikers and cyclists to check out Cleveland's paths and bikeways.

If you needed an additional Earth Day pep-talk, check out Jess Hieb's talk on the value of getting out and recreating on your natural resource, be it on land or water! The more people recreate on their natural resources, the more people will appreciate and support them!

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