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HAPPY 44TH ANNIVERSARY, EARTH DAY!

44th Anniversary of Earth Day

A Statement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

Today, April 22, 2014, marks the 44th celebration of Earth Day in the United States — a day when we can all take time to appreciate the connection between our environment and health.

A healthy environment is key to leading a healthy life. At HHS, we strive to maintain healthy environments for all Americans, and I hope you will work to make your community a healthy one too. Local parks establish venues for our children to play while adults exercise. Trails facilitate active lifestyles through biking and walking instead of driving. Step outside and enjoy your outdoors.

Keeping our planet healthy helps keep each and every one of us healthy. Taking simple actions to conserve energy and water can help reduce waste and cut carbon pollution. You can make a difference by turning off the lights when you leave a room, turning off the water while you brush your teeth, shopping locally and taking a bike ride instead of driving. Remember to recycle your paper, bottles and cans. Don’t forget to deliver outdated and discarded cell phones, computers, and printers to electronic waste recycling facilities. Simple sustainable activities like these can help protect our environment and our health.

Please join HHS in celebrating Earth Day and go for a walk outside. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery while you stay active. Please be mindful that the “green actions” we take today help protect our wonderful planet for our children.

This Earth Day, join me in going green to be healthy.

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