1. This year marks the 45th birthday of Earth Day! Also turning 45 this year? Tina Fey, The Beatles “Let It Be” Album, Mary J. Blige, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.

2. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day in 1970. After leaving the Senate in 1980, he continued his love for conservation by serving on the board of The Wilderness Society, one of the largest conservation organizations in The United States. In 1995, Senator Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Bill Clinton for his commitment to the environment!

3. 20 million: The number of participants on the very first Earth Day, sparking its success as a permanent movement. People took to the streets to protest in favor of a healthy and sustainable environment

Source: http://www.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Picture-427.png — Source: http://www.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Picture-427.png

4. In 1990, Earth Day went global with over 140 countries participating. The number of participants keeps growing—in 2000, 180 countries took part in Earth Day activities!

Also global in 1990? The Milli Vanilli scandal

5. Earth Day 2010 saw 225,000 people flock to the National Mall for a Climate Rally, protesting and demanding that Congress pass climate change legislation in 2010.

http://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/269f7885-ba4b-4b34-acfb-2268087c4786.jpg

6. Also a fan of Earth Day? James Cameron, the director of blockbusters Avatar and The Titanic, who launched an international initiative in 2012 to plant 1 million trees over the course of the year.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef0128771793ec970c-800wi — Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef0128771793ec970c-800wi

7. The Canopy Project, an Earth Day Network mission to plant trees “that help communities” has pledged to plant 10 million trees over the next 5 years to reverse the impact of deforestation and help local economies in impoverished areas of the world. So far, they’ve planted over 1.5 million trees in 18 countries.

8. Perhaps the most famous (fictional, but who’s keeping track?) environmental activist? Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, who has become a worldwide symbol for taking action and responsibility to protect the environment.

Source: http://www.econesting.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/lorax3.jpg — Source: http://www.econesting.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/lorax3.jpg

9. How can you take part in Earth Day? The possibilities are endless! According to the Earth Day Network, you can pledge to compost, buy local produce, reduce your footprint, or stop using disposable plastic. Check out their website for more ways to take action!

Um, sure. This is good, too./Source: http://www.environmentteam.com/list/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/earth-day-globe-dress.jpg — Um, sure. This is good, too./Source: http://www.environmentteam.com/list/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/earth-day-globe-dress.jpg

10. Looking for a way to give back on Earth Day in DC? Head to the National Zoo on April 22nd, where Earth Day celebrations start with a clean up of Rock Creek Park.

Cleanup at the National Zoo. /Source: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5026/5643702671_58d0432fc1.jpg — Cleanup at the National Zoo. /Source: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5026/5643702671_58d0432fc1.jpg

About the Author: While a student at The College of William and Mary, Marisa Weidner volunteered at a school in Belize. A DC newcomer, she blogs about her explorations of the city at The Curated City.

On March 16, DDG founder Saranah Holmes and editorial director Holly Leber attended The Community Foundation for the National Capital Regions's #HereForGood event at Arena Stage in downtown Washington, DC. The largest funder of nonprofits in the DC area, The Community Foundation has invested more than one billion dollars in more than 8,000 organizations.

Proceeds from The Community Foundation's #HereForGood event went to the Fund for Greater Washington, which strives to achieve economic security for all area residents.

The Daily Do Good founder Saranah Holmes exchanges thoughts with Mark Bergel, executive director at A Wider Circle. Mark and company are gearing up for the National Conference to End Poverty on March 28. — The Daily Do Good founder Saranah Holmes exchanges thoughts with Mark Bergel, executive director at A Wider Circle. Mark and company are gearing up for the National Conference to End Poverty on March 28.

"I need to do something that's soul-feeding," said Jeanette Radford of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, speaking to DDG founder Saranah Holmes at The Community Foundation's #HereForGood event.

It's hard to go wrong with bacon! Pictured here: Maple-bacon lollipops.

We were thrilled to run into our friend Jackie from Critical Exposure! Photos from some of the organization's students were on display Monday night. (L-R): DDG editorial director Holly Leber, DDG founder Saranah Holmes, Critical Exposure direct… — We were thrilled to run into our friend Jackie from Critical Exposure! Photos from some of the organization's students were on display Monday night. (L-R): DDG editorial director Holly Leber, DDG founder Saranah Holmes, Critical Exposure director of development and communications Jacquelyn Horstmann.

WUSA9 reporter Delia Goncalves acted as emcee for the evening.

Raymani, a student from Higher Achievement, reads an original work of poetry centered on the theme of love. Higher Achievement works to "close the opportunity gap" for middle school youth in DC. "Before Higher Achievement, I never had oppo… — Raymani, a student from Higher Achievement, reads an original work of poetry centered on the theme of love. Higher Achievement works to "close the opportunity gap" for middle school youth in DC. "Before Higher Achievement, I never had opportunities like this," she said.

A student from Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy dances at The Community Foundation's #HereForGood event on Monday, March 16.

DC emerging artist J'Nell Jordan paints as part of the Gallery for Good. In her artist's statement, Jordan noted that she loves to capture "feel good" moments.

"Make me different... so I can finally say I made it." - A poet ambassador from Free Minds Book Club gives a recitation. Through books and creative writing, Free Minds helps DC youth incarcerated as adults to realize their full potential.

Donate to The Community Foundation