MILWAUKEE – Everyday, around the world choices affect the state of the environment. Simple decisions such as choosing paper or plastic, deciding to drive or not and whether it would make a difference if those old homework assignments went into the trash or recycling bin are changing the planet.

Lately, with concerns over global warming and climate change, people realize these small choices make great impacts on the future of the Earth.

On April 22, 2009, Earth Day will be celebrated around the globe for the 39th year. While some people may know of Earth Day, they might not know its history.

U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin created Earth Day. In 1962 he was inspired to change the way people thought about the environment.

“My primary objective in planning Earth Day was to show the political leadership of the nation that there was broad and deep support for the environmental movement,” said Nelson in an April 1980 article he wrote for the United States Environmental Protection Agency Journal.

On April 22, 1970, the first official Earth Day succeeded with an estimated 20 million Americans taking part, according to Jack Lewis in a 1990 article for the EPA Journal. Now people all over the world participate.

Recently Esurance, an auto insurance company, and the World Wildlife Fund partnered to organize Earth Hour which took place March 28. The event encouraged people to turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about the environment and the energy they use.

As society becomes more concerned about the state of the environment, there are plenty of effortless things everyone can do, including students at Rufus King High School.

Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs, reuse bags for groceries or shopping, and turn off lights and water faucets to contribute positively to the Earth.

 Rufus King has recently started impacting the environment by recycling, and student groups like the Black Student Union, the Student Government Association and the Medical Science Club have participated in environmental events or have organized school clean ups in the past.