For more than half a century, the United States has been celebrating Earth Day. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it was in the spring of 1970, Sen. Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a way to force legal and regulatory mechanisms to protect our natural world.

Today, our environment is consistently at the center of attention when it comes to the use of water, recycling and energy. As part of Earth Day, which is celebrated Wednesday, the EPA recommends ways residents can lower their carbon footprint. Those include: bike or walk; carpool or take public transportation; choose an energy efficient vehicle; make fewer trips by grouping your errands; drive smart by going easy on the brakes and gas, use cruise control, and keep your car well-maintained.

In addition, there are these tips for around the home:

— Reuse or repurpose containers, clothing and cloth grocery bags.

— Turn off the water to brush teeth and shave.

— Run full loads of laundry and dishes.

— Collect rainwater to use in your garden.

— Check your refrigerator, pantry, and freezer before shopping to avoid buying foods you don’t need.

— Properly store fruits and vegetables so they last longer.

— Befriend your freezer and leftovers.

We all have a part in keeping our planet viable — at this moment and every day.