April 22, 2010 is Earth Day - an international day of observance of environmental issues. This day was first observed in North America on April 22, 1970 to highlight environmental issues that the government seemed to be ignoring. Since then, it has been adopted globally, with more people participating each year.

This 40th year anniversary of Earth Day will continue to emphasize on last year's theme, 'The Green Generation Campaign'. While the events range from planting more trees to highlighting the use of science and technology to sustain our environment, the end motive is the same - To help save our planet in any way we can.

Here are some of the events being planned in honor of Earth Day.

NASA will join many other corporations and individuals in celebrating Earth Day 2010 on the National Mall in Washington. The events, which will last for nine days will take place in the NASA village, which comprises of three domed tents and will highlight the advances in science and technology that have helped us gain better knowledge of our planet and increased the awareness of the issues facing us.

Afghanistan is planning a 'National Sapling Campaign', - 'One tree for myself, one for Afghanistan' as a way to restore the green zones of the country, which have dwindled from 14 million hectares to 1 million hectares in the last 30 years!

In Tokyo, Japan, the mantra is environmental friendliness and food self-sufficiency. In a planned week-long celebration, visitors are being asked to bring their own plates so as to reduce waste.

Most states in the USA will be celebrating the day with a Green Apple Festival - family events where people can learn about what they can do to make a difference.

Besides these big events, many schools and local communities are planning to hold their own events to try make a difference:

At the Junction Park State School in Annerly, Australia, all students from kindergarten to seventh grade will participate in an Earth Day poetry contest in an effort to educate themselves, their fellow students and the entire school community. The winning entry will be published in the school newsletter.

In Denver, Colorado, educators and citizens are set to open a 'Denver Green School', as part of the emerging green schools movement, that is urging all educators and kids to think 'green'.

The Buffalo-Niagra School systems, home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Niagra Falls, has a number of events planned, including painting rain barrels and other educational programs like how to reduce trash through recycling and compost, using nature’s natural recycler, earthworms.

The Santa Barbara High School also has a whole week of activities planned, ranging from carpooling/biking to school to eating local, to building a 'trash monster' using empty plastic bottles.

What does your school or community have planned for this day? Be sure to let us know by adding your comments below. And remember, every single day is Earth Day - so reduce, reuse, recycle, restore, replenish and most importantly, rethink before you buy! We can all make a difference! Happy Earth Day!

sources:earthday.org, allvoices.com, edhat.com