Search Newsroom

From the food we eat and the water we drink to the timber we use to build homes, we depend on the Earth in every facet of our lives. April 22 is the 38th annual observance of Earthday, a day that calls attention to our responsibilities as stewards of the Earth and highlights the benefits of living in a clean and sustainable world.

It's no surprise that we are taking more from the planet than we are giving back. With populous nations such as China and India modernizing and growing richer, the demand for resources is increasing and will continue to do so -- and the effects can be seen at the gas pump as well as on grocery store shelves.

At the State Capitol, we are working on important initiatives that will benefit the environment and Oklahoma's economy. Biofuels made from switchgrass or other agricultural products hold great promise for our state's two biggest industries -- energy and agriculture. As the winds come sweeping down the plains, Oklahoma could reap significant revenue using those winds to produce electricity.

Protecting the world around us doesn't begin with legislation and policy initiatives; it begins with the choices we make every day, little choices that, over a lifetime, have a major effect.

Reducing our consumption is the most obvious way to minimize our impact on the world. Reusing what we already have cuts down on waste headed to landfills and lessens the need for raw materials and energy to manufacture and transport new products. The same is true when we take a minute to sort out recyclable materials that otherwise would be thrown out.

There are a thousand other small steps we can take toward a healthier world, like planting a tree or switching to compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Oklahoma is teeming with natural beauty and resources, which enrich lives and support livelihoods across our state.

It is our responsibility to ensure our children and grandchildren enjoy the same natural bounty for years to come.

For a list of recycling centers in Oklahoma or more information on steps you to benefit the environment, visit the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality at www.deq.state.ok.us.