April 22nd every year marks the onset of Earth Day. A day that is celebrated annually to raise awareness about our home planet and how we can save and protect it from recurring damage.
每年的4月22日是地球日。这是一个能让我们关注地球家园、珍惜并保护它免遭人类行为反复破坏的日子。
Started in the year 1970, Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 190 countries each year.
地球日源于1970年。目前世界上每年有190多个国家庆祝地球日。
Every year, the event is celebrated under a different theme. The theme for 2016 is "Trees for the Earth".
每年的主题都不同。2016年地球日的主题是“为地球种树”。
In present times, when the dangers of climate change and global warming loom as large as ever, there is a constant pressure upon the entire world to do their bit and contribute towards the betterment of our home planet. Why? Because there is only one Earth.
目前地球受气候变化和全球变暖的影响越来越深，全世界人民亟需联合行动，承担起各自的责任，为构建我们更好的家园贡献力量。为什么？因为我们只有一个地球。
Planting more trees means cutting down and reducing the carbon footprint and spread of greenhouse gases.
多种树能减少碳足迹、缩减温室气体的扩散。
However, Earth Day is not just an event to be celebrated on one specific day. It is primarily a reminder for all to do our rightful duty to save our planet everyday. Earth Day is a motivation for you to start right now.
不过，地球日不应该只在某个特定日子庆祝。它其实主要在于提醒我们，要每天做有益于地球的事情。地球日意味着你现在就要开始行动了。
Below, we have compiled a list of five things you can do to celebrate Earth Day (apart from planting trees) and make this a better place, a better world for future generations.
下面我们列举了5项便于人们实践的地球日活动（除了种树以外），一起构建更好的家园、更美的世界，造福后代子孙。
Have a look!
一起来看吧！
1. Leave your cars at home
少开车
Cars, being the greatest source of air pollution, can be left at home this weekend. Travelling via public transport is the better option. Other greener options are carpooling, riding a bike or you can also walk if you want a healthier option and if your workplace is not that far away from your home.
汽车是空气的主要污染源，这个周末可以别开车了。公共交通其实是更好的选择。其他绿色出行方式还包括拼车、骑行；如果你的工作地点离家不远的话，你还有个更健康的选择：步行。
2. Be a little dirty
邋遢一点儿
No, we don't mean it 'that' way. We simply mean to say, don't take a bath. Yes, conservation of water is super essential. A day or two without a bath won't harm you, but it will certainly do a lot of good for our planet. A daily shower isn't a matter of health; it's a matter of comfort. Showering every day can wash away the natural oils that our skin and hair need.
当然，我们并不是让你不讲卫生。我们想说的是，别洗澡。是的，保护水资源特别重要。一两天不洗澡不会对你有什么危害，但对我们的地球却有极大的益处。每天冲澡与健康无关，其实只是为了舒服而已。每天洗澡还会冲掉我们皮肤上天然的油脂，而这些油脂其实是皮肤和头发需要的。
3. Volunteer yourself
做义工
This is one of the best things you can do. Why? Because it will do you good too. Join other like-minded individuals in a common task. If you have the time, there are lots of opportunities out there to pitch in, for instance, planting trees, cleaning a park or simply coming up with ways you can preserve mother Earth.
这是最适合你的事情之一。为什么？因为它对你本身也有好处。与其他跟你有相似想法的人一起去完成一项任务。如果你时间允许，这样的机会有很多，比如种树、打扫公园，以及其他有利于保护地球的活动。
4. Green-up your home
在家中践行地球日
This is one of the most common things that people do whenever Earth Day rolls around, that is, switch off their lights. However, this is not something you should do just for a day and for only an hour. Conserve energy by switching of all power and/or electricity points whenever they are not in use. In addition, take out all the plugs from plug points even after switching them off.
每到地球日，很多人都会不约而同选择做这件事：关灯。不过，这不应该只是你在这一天这一小时做的事。为了节省能源，我们应该随时关闭所有不在使用当中的用电设施。另外，关闭电源后，还应该拔下所有用电插头。
5. Pledge to do more everyday
每天点滴积累
You know what the best way to celebrate Earth Day is? Extend your celebrations. That's right! Do something everyday that will improve your surroundings to make the planet a better place to live in. Always remember that every step, every initiative counts.
你知道庆祝地球日的最佳方式吗？增加你的绿色践行活动。对！每天都要做对环境有利的事情，让我们的地球更宜居。记住，每一步行动、每一次倡议都算。
The future of our planet is in your hands!
地球家园的未来就靠你了！
Vocabulary
loom：阴森森地逼近；赫然耸现
pitch in：投入；作出贡献