If feelings of appreciation for Earth and its environment seem especially persistent today, it could be due to the April 22 designated observance of Earth Day.

The day, proposed in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2010. The day is coordinated by the nonprofit Earth Day Network and unites environmentalists and patrons to participate in acts that foster environmental goodwill.

With talk about the movement to “go green,” one can feel overwhelmed and underachieving in their ability to take part in acts that help lessens the already damaging harm done to earth. The immense initiatives proposed by environmentalists while important take time and adjustment to turn into everyday practice.

To take part in environmentally conscious deeds without going to extreme measures, use some of the following tips provided.

– Make a pact with yourself to change a few habits of yours that are wasteful. In a SELF article, environmental activist Laurie David recommended simply modifying some everyday routines. “You don’t have to do everything, but you have to do something,” she said. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full or buy a reusable water bottle instead of using individual plastic water bottles.

-Volunteer to help plant trees or clean up a littered area outside. The idea is cliché but think about it in different terms. Imagine giving up two hours of your time on a weekend in return for the feel-good feeling that you’re assisting in part of the solution instead of adding to the problem. The Sierra Foothill Conservancy is hosting a volunteer opportunity at its McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve this Saturday, April 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will clear a hiking trail that was once home to Native American Indians. Rotary Storyland at Roeding Park has participants cleaning up and refurbishing its life-size displays. The event takes place on Saturday, April 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

-Or just watch a movie and analyze the importance of protecting the bountiful earth in its natural state. The DVD release of “Avatar” on Earth Day can have the few people who didn’t see it in theaters experience the marvelous world of Pandora, as James Cameron wanted viewers to experience it. “It’s very cool. I think it’s a great opportunity,” Cameron said. “We’ve had such an amazing response from environmental groups around the world and from, you know, groups dealing with indigenous rights from around the world. I think it’s a great opportunity just to focus it all into one big conversation.”