The past year hasn't been a great one for Mother Earth - both on campus and abroad.

President Bush again opted not to join the Kyoto Protocol, an agreement among many leading industrial nations to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions. Although major players such as Japan and Russia, along with more than 100 countries, have signed onto the deal, Bush says it would damage the U.S. economy.

In late March, scientists released a report that contained some daunting findings - chiefly, two-thirds of Earth's natural resources are used up. It appears that more land has been claimed for agriculture in the past 60 years than in both the 18th and 19th centuries. Things are running out fast.

In local news, the Residence Halls Association plans to eliminate its campus recycling program at the end of this semester, saying it does not have the ability to provide services students need. MSU is the only Big Ten university with a student-run recycling program, as opposed to one managed by the university.

MSU also lacks a program to recycle the great volumes of trash that inundates campus following football Saturdays.

Taking these facts into consideration, it is evident the trend is convenience, not consciousness. Many Americans and community members take for granted that they can enjoy a green, sunny spring day. People walk on sidewalks littered with wrappers and cigarette butts without thinking about picking them up.

Today is Earth Day, the perfect opportunity to get informed about the environmental problems that surround you and find out how to help. Simple things like walking to class and throwing away your litter can make a direct difference in this community, and there are plenty of comprehensive initiatives that seek to help the Earth on a greater level.

The past year hasn't been a great one for Mother Earth, but if we all begin to think and act in ways that are environmentally sound, the coming year could be a whole lot better.