In case you've forgotten, today in the 35th anniversary of Earth Day! But you probably won't hear much about it in the news. In fact, some even feel that Earth Day and the environmental movement has fallen off the radar screen of most Americans.

Don't despair.

There have been tremendous accomplishments made in cleaning up our environment since Earth Day began in 1970. That's a tribute to the dedication and hard work of thousands, if not millions, of environmentally concious individuals, in many big and small ways. Our air is cleaner, our waters are cleaner, we recycle more. But there remain many significant challenges, and so the job of safe-guarding our environment is never done.

We all desire a clean, safe, healthy environment. How we achieve those ends is often a source of disagreement, but it is clear that over the last 35 years we as a people have in fact come together to solve many very difficult environmental problems, both at home here in the U.S. and abroad.

That spirit of debate and cooperation can and should continue in the best interests of all as we address the problems of the new century such as urban sprawl, diminishing water and energy resources, agricultural contamination, food shortages, overpopulation, global warming and many others. Serious problems that require serious solutions.

That's what today--Earth Day--is all about. We celebrate what has been accomplished. We talk together and identify what needs to be done next. Then we find common ground for moving forward with real solutions. It has worked in the past and will continue to work in the future! I firmly believe in our ability to solve problems together where we must. I have hope for a better future. You should too.

So today, be happy and celebrate the good, green Earth and all that we have.

By the way, if you're looking for someplace to celebrate Earth Day today, there is a fun event in downtown Portland sponsored by the folks at MENSK worth checking out.

What are your plans for celebrating Earth Day?