Earth Day is just around the corner, Saturday, April 22 to be exact. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 and was considered the birth of the modern environmental movement. This annual day of awareness has been celebrated worldwide ever since.

At ms, we are strongly committed to sustainability and our environment. We have completed more than 80 LEED® projects and are a GreenSpot member. ms continually strives to become more sustainable. Just one example: we save 1.2 million gallons of water per year by using native and drought-resistant plants in our landscaping, eliminating the need for watering.

This year, we challenge you to take a pledge to complete at least one Earth Day activity on April 22. Big or small, every step makes a difference in the world we live.

Calculate your carbon footprint. The EPA’s Carbon Footprint Calculator is a great start to understanding your environmental impact. Answer questions about how you live and the calculator will give you scenarios if you make changes to your daily life. Even adjusting your thermostat by a couple degrees makes a big difference!

Sign up for a park or community clean up. Many cities have volunteer opportunities available to clean up local parks and community areas. Check out opportunities in Columbus, Indianapolis, Raleigh, and Pittsburgh. Many municipalities have opportunities available through their parks department. Visit your city’s park department website for contact information.

Plant a tree. Make a positive change to your scenery and the environment. Visit the Arbor Day website for a step-by-step guide on planting your new greenery.

Park your car. Take a bike, walk, or use public transit. Whatever you choose, you’re making a positive change. And by biking or walking, you’re also adding in the benefit of improving your health. If you must drive, try carpooling and combining trips. Every bit makes a difference!

Green your home. Change out regular light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, and swap out your thermostat for a programmable or smart thermostat. Thinking bigger? Consider replacing older appliances with newer, energy-efficient versions and use this handy shopping guide to help you choose. Not only are you helping the earth, you’ll be saving on your monthly bills.

Teach. If you’re looking to educate kids on Earth Day, there are many fun activities to keep them occupied. From recycling to water pollution, this list of Earth Day science activities teach valuable lessons while also having fun.

An important part of Earth Day is sharing with your community. This event brings everyone around the world together to celebrate one common theme–the place we live. Visit EarthDay.org to register your event or view events in your area.

How will you be celebrating Earth Day this year? Share photos and suggestions with us on Twitter and Facebook.