Environmental cleanups and safeguards went from citizen crusade to government policy 40 years ago. The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, led to that year's creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The federal agency, which now addresses climate change as well as pollution prevention and remedies, has 17,000 employees and a $10-billion annual budget. Earth Day has spread to other countries and remains an occasion to inspire awareness and appreciation for the natural environment.

Programs in U.S. schools and communities this week will show how individuals do their part through recycling, landscaping, safe waste disposal, trash pickups and other activities. The EPA on Wednesday will release a video with 10-second clips of people holding "It's My Environment" signs. Movie theaters on Wednesday begin showing a new Disney nature film called "Oceans," with part of opening week ticket revenues donated to protect coral reefs.

Another tie-in is "Green My Parents," a national education program launching Wednesday that shows students how to teach moms and dads about energy efficiency and other "green" ways to save money. In Kentucky, a $4-million rebate program starting on Earth Day lets consumers get up to $400 for buying an energy efficient appliance. And in Washington, a nine-day Earth Day Network festival on the National Mall ends Saturday with a Climate Rally to urge Congress to pass clean energy and climate protection laws.

President says: "Take action -- in your home or your community; at your school or your business -- to improve our environment. It can be as simple as riding the bus or the subway to work, making your home more energy efficient, or organizing your neighbors to clean up a nearby park." -- Earth Day video message (see below)

Filmmaker says: "We've come a great distance since the first Earth Day. . . . When I look back 40 years, I see great progress. When I look forward, I see grave problems -- but they are solvable." - Susan Cohn Rockefeller, environmentalist and documentary producer

Nonprofit leader says: "Earth Day has changed over the years, but the fact that is has reached its 40th anniversary is a testament to its enduring values. . . . Its power no longer resides on the Mall in Washington, but instead is spread out across the nation, in communities, schools, businesses, and everyday lives. It has morphed into an annual reminder of our commitment to the environment." -- Frances Beinecke, Natural Resources Defense Council president