As we recognize the 51st anniversary Earth Day on Wednesday, it's a moment to reflect on the environment of which we are all a part of, as well as our responsibility to preserve and maintain it for future generations.

The history of Earth Day dates back to a time before the Environmental Protection Agency, before the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. In 1970, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was dismayed that an issue as important as our environment was not being sufficiently addressed in politics or by the media.

He created the first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970 when an estimated 20 million people across the country attended festivities and demonstrations in support of more conscious environmental policy. This designation and the explosion of grassroots activism that followed eventually led to much national legislation that continues to protect the natural beauty of our country more than half a century later.

It was President Theodore Roosevelt who once said, “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”

There's enormous challenges on the horizon as the world faces a climate crisis and as our societies try to shift toward a more sustainable way of life.

When it comes to achieving responsible conservation, it's important to think globally and act locally. The past year has taught us that we live in a global community where something happening on one side of the world can easily affect the livelihood and wellbeing of the other.

There have been some encouraging signs of progress right here in our own backyard. As reported in the Democrat last week, Congressman Antonio Delgado was joined by a bipartisan coalition of state and local lawmakers, as well as environmental and advocacy groups, to announce a Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus.

This month residents in towns and villages across the county are participating in community and roadside cleanup days.

During Sullivan County's annual Sullivan Annual Roadside Litter Pluck Event, which runs from April 1 through June 30, the County will waive the waste disposal fee for roadside litter pluck bags, through the County's Parks, Recreation and Beautification Department and the Division of Public Works.

More of our towns and villages are being designated as “climate smart communities” and taking steps to be proactive and forward thinking in using green technologies.

While we've come a long way there is still much work to be done. It's the collective efforts of all of us working together that will make the largest difference.