America’s Earth Day began 35 years ago in response to our nation’s growing environmental concerns.  Twenty million people from communities nationwide held teach-ins and demonstrations to protect our environment and make the world a healthier, safer, and better place. Earth Day is also a global holiday; heralded every year at the United Nations by the ringing of the Peace Bell.

This year, the American theme for Earth Day is “Protect Our Children and Our Future,” a goal that ERD is helping to turn into a reality by introducing sustainable farming techniques and building water supply systems.

In the Philippines and Tanzania, ERD trains farmers in ranching and agricultural techniques that improve and increase their crop yields.  An irrigation project in the Philippines increases the amount of arable land and allows the soil to be planted twice a year instead of once.  Our partnership in Venezuela teaches coffee workers responsible farming techniques.

ERD works to create clean water supplies for people who lack sewage and drainage systems.  In Nicaragua, 50% of urban dwellers and more than 90% of urban dwellers have no sewage or drainage systems.  People must draw their water from the same sources into which waste runoff seeps untreated.

In places such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Tanzania, ERD is building wells, latrines, wash stations, and sanitation systems.  A safe and clean water supply means a lower incidence of disease – and also a healthier ecosystem.

ERD’s programs are preserving the Earth, not just for the people living in it today, but for those who will inherit it tomorrow.

To donate to Episcopal Relief and Development, visit http://www.er-d.org/ or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.