Eco-Lingo: Earth Day

Eco-lingo is being tossed around left and right these days. We're demystifying common terms to help you figure out which words are the real deal... and which are just green jargon.

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Today's word: Earth Day

Definition: It's not just a day to make green cookies and cupcakes...though we wouldn't turn those treats down! Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson as a response the nation's latest environmental crisises. On that first Earth Day, there were rallies and protests all over America to draw attention to the destructive behavior towards the Earth but now the day is more about committing to a greener lifestyle -- so it's the perfect time to up your eco-involvement, whether that means upcycling or going as far as moving into an earthship. Earth Day Network is even keeping track of the "Acts of Green" commitments rolling in -- as of now, they're at 31,466,416! No more disposable cups, shorter showers... how will you commemorate Earth Day 2010?

For more, get the scoop from our friends at Holidash -- they interviewed Earth Day Networks about the origin of the holiday.

Verdict: The Real Deal.