Earth Day was one of those feel-good movements of the 1970s. But 36 years later, many of its principles have been incorporated into everyday life.
Recycling isn't just a practice of idealists and Scout groups; it is a government-run program in Bloomington, Normal and countless communities across the country.
The Illinois Department of Transportation estimates 10,000 volunteers regularly take part in its adopt-a-highway program each year, cleaning trash from about 3,500 miles of state roads.
Groups and individuals have adopted sections of Constitution Trail.
There's still time to take part in Bloomington-Normal's Community Cleanup Week, which both cities are sponsoring from today through Friday - even if all you do is spruce up your own yard.
But the important thing is not what you do today or this week but what you do throughout the year to improve your environment.
