Earth Day is an annual event celebrated by The Bermuda Association of Eco-Clubs (BASEC) to recognise the Earth and what we can do to preserve and protect it. This year the celebration was held at Barrs Bay Park on Pitts Bay Road. BASEC is an association of Eco-Clubs, most of which are in schools across the island.

At the celebration, there were many sponsors, mainly the organisations that help to protect the environment. They placed emphasis on planting, recycling, energy conservation, protecting the environment and eating healthy.

When asked for his views of the Earth Day celebration, Stuart Hayward, the president of BASEC and one of the organisers of the Earth Day party said: "People often forget that all the food they eat, clothes they wear, vehicles they drive, the electronics they listen to – all of the raw materials needed to build them – came from the Earth. And if the Earth becomes unhealthy, the ability to support human life is diminished, so if we want to improve our way of life, we have to protect and preserve the Earth, and Earth Day is a way of reminding ourselves of this responsibility."

Explaining what the Earth Day celebration was all about, Mr. Hayward noted: "Because the theme of Earth Day is one of preventing pollution, what we are doing is spreading that message. We are giving the people the first hand opportunity to experience caring for the Earth."

Mr. Hayward also explained about BASEC saying, "Bermuda Association of Eco-Club is the host group for other environment protecting clubs, and these clubs promote environmental projects in schools like trash-free lunches, recycling, square foot gardening. These are projects that encourage young people to become aware of and practice environmental stewardship."

As the rain drizzled, the musical selections added a bit of flair to the celebration. Various Earth-loving sponsors had set up stands to display devices that can be used to conserve energy. Others also placed serious emphasis on recycling. And what could a celebration be without food? The food that was supplied by Jamaican Grill was a vegetarian's delight. There was also an "Earth Day Birthday cake".

Adrienne Miller who was in attendance said, "This, put on by BASEC, is a great event that helps us to be more eco-friendly".

Lisa Baachi, another party goer, declared, "I am proud to be a part of an Earth Day celebration."

When asked what they are doing at home to be more eco-friendly, Kristen Cusumano said: "I am using compact fluorescent bulbs, and turning off lights and other electrics".

Marlo Burgess added: "I use the energy-saving bulbs; I walk to school; I have a compost heap and I recycle."

Caitlin O'Doherty, a BHS student who is the chairperson for BASEC, was also an organiser for this event. When asked for her views about the event she stated: "The Earth Day celebration was a great success! Despite the rainy weather, many people showed up throughout the night and showed their support.

"The environmental vendors did a great job in displaying who they were, and providing interesting and interactive information.

"The musical performances were outstanding and energetic, and everyone joined in to celebrate the Earth with a cross-section of the community. We hope that the weather will be better next year, and that even more people show up to the event."