HOW TO SOLVED ISSUE FOR LAPTOP PLUGGED IN BUT NOT CHARGING

The first thing that you need to know is that whether the issue is with the battery or with the operating system. Below listed some of the most plausible reasons and ways to sort out this nagging issue.
There is good way to find out whether the real issue is with the battery or not. You can load an alternative operating system such as Windows or a Linux Live CD. This is suggested because there is no need of the full space capacity and a few hundred Mbs are sufficient. Slax Linux is a great option for this being only around 220MB in size. Again, alternatively you can use a Live Windows repair CD such as the Hiren’s Boot CD or if you have a dual boot system, then you can simply see if the problem persists on the other booting partition.

It has become a common annoyance for some older laptops to suffer battery charging problems. When the issue occurs, with your AC charger plugged in you will notice that the battery is not charging, and hovering over the battery icon in the system tray shows "plugged in, not charging". This can lead to automatic hibernation of the laptop, immediate shutdown at power adapter disconnect, etc.

This issue can be caused by to distinct reasons:

Heating issues - some laptops have built-in heat sensors that will stop charging if the battery, or the laptop itself gets hot. This can be remedied by turning off the laptop for a while to allow it to cool down. It may be worth cleaning the cooling ducts and CPU/GPU heatsinks with compressed air/vacuum.

Battery Driver issues - the default Windows battery device drivers may be corrupt, or incompatible with your particular brand of laptop. If the issue is persistent, it may be worth downloading newer drivers directly from your manufacturer. Below is a solution for resetting the Windows 7 default ACPI battery drivers.
Follow the steps below to fix battery charging driver issues:

1. Disconnect AC power
2. Shut down laptop
3. Remove battery
4. Connect AC power
5. Start laptop
6. Open "Device Manager" (right-click on "Computer" -> Properties -> click "Device Manager" in left pane)
7. Under "Batteries", right-click and uninstall "Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery" (all occurances) and, optionally "Microsoft AC Adapter"
8. Shutdown
9. Disconnect AC power, insert battery
10. Connect AC power, start laptop

Notes: If following the above steps does not fix your issue, it may be worth using a voltmeter to verify the voltage coming out of the power supply at the point where it plugs into your laptop. Some power supply cables are prone to failure after repeat bending, and adapters can fail as well. Most common laptop PSUs should output about 19 volts, and there is a label on them that lists the input and output voltages.

The "Microsoft ACPI Control Method Battery Driver" is a Windows service that should be set to start "On Demand" in "Services". The file itself is located in %WinDir%\System32\drivers\CmBatt.sys

If the battery of your laptop is non-removable:
Similarly to the above steps, uninstall the "Device Manager -> Batteries -> Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery Driver" and "Microsoft AC Adapter" (right-click -> uninstall). After that, unplug your AC adapter from both the laptop and the wall socket, shutdown the laptop, and leave both off/unplugged for a minute before restarting.

Keep in mind that if the battery is actually bad, the above may not fix your issue.

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Things to Do When you’re Bored

The life sometimes becomes very busy and hectic, so we don’t have time to do anything we like and in the course of fulfilling the needs of a leisured life we stop enjoying it.

Then, at some point of the time or during the holidays, we’re so bored because we don’t’ have our regular office work and problems to deal with of which we’ve become habitual. We feel bored as we don’t remember anything that what we used to do in the free time.

Well, here I’m trying to just revive ourselves from us and with a list of things we can do while we’re bored.

Bake or cook. The beauty of baking or cooking is that the act itself helps you pass the time and you get to eat something delicious (one hopes) at the end of it. Dust off your cookbook or look up fantastic recipes online and try one out.  

Bake or cook. The beauty of baking or cooking is that the act itself helps you pass the time and you get to eat something delicious (one hopes) at the end of it. Dust off your cookbook or look up fantastic recipes online and try one out. 

Take a Walk and Come Close to Nature

The long walk down the road which eventually leads you to a park or garden near you during the evening with your spouse is surely a great thing to do.

This walk will just not only take the fresh out of you, but, being close to nature for some time will help you spiritually as well.

Listening to Music

The old music collection of yours can also be a good option while you’re actually feeling bored because of no work. The music type can be any type like jazz, rap or anything else you cherish to listen.

Playing an Outdoor Game

Remember the childhood time of yours when you used to play the basketball in your backyard for the whole day. Well, the time isn’t gone yet. You can try this stuff as well and start living your childhood again.

Live a Hobby

Did you have an interest in the art and craft, writing poetry, gardening or even cooking? If the answer is yes, then I guess this is the right time to live your hobby and surprise your girlfriend with some special food on the dinner tonight!

Reading a Book

In the hectic routine of today’s modern era don’t leave us anytime to read quality books which we love to read before getting engaged in our duties.

Thus, getting bored period is I think the best to make up for everything what we missed for the long time.

6. Watch Movies

When did you watch your last movie? Don’t remember! Well, let’s just watch today then. The boring time will get passed easily and the enjoyment will be good enough to fetch a smile on your face if you’ll go for this option. Though, the choice of movie is a critical parameter for the smile!

Video Games

All of you must be thinking that this is a nerdy option for the mature ones like you. But, believe it or not, the latest Xbox and PS4 games have the glue power in them and once you’ll start playing them, you won’t be able to give up your couch easily.

Service Your Car

This is quite an out of the box thinking type idea. It just only passes your boring time, but, helps you saving a few bucks as well.

In addition, you get full knowledge about your car and next time you can save more money while giving your car to service as you precisely can tell the mechanic what exactly he needs to fix up and not to do any extra add up for money.

Enjoy Beach and City Tour

How about taking a sun bath on the beach after a long time with your better half and then going on a city tour with amusement park rides, shopping, road side hotdogs and all this ending with a perfect dinner outside if you’re feeling bored. Sounds enthusiastic!

Internet Surfing

Actually, this might be the first option for many of you, but, I consider it last as it again involves daily like sitting. Still, you can go for it if you feel that not anything above suits you most because of shortage of time or unless you’re a tech geek!

Wrap Up

Getting bored is a normal thing to humans and especially when we daily go for the same routine and there no threads of entertainment left.

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The Importance Of Computers In Our Daily Lives

In the current world, it’s almost impossible to imagine that someone can live  without computers. Computers have become an electronic device of almost every day use for individuals of every age. They are essential in almost all the business dealings that are made nowadays. 
The most that any industry has gained from the discovery of the computers is the business industry because of its nature. Computers have gained significance as they have improved the efficiency and productivity of work done. Large amounts of information in industrial and business sectors as well as in the personal lives are stored on computers.

Computers can help businesses by making their staff efficient and productive and also save their valuable time in any business or office. Computers in schools will help the learners to comprehend the basic concepts better with the help of video or audio examples. Computers in higher learning institutions will help the professors and researchers to do their work very fast and in an efficient and better way and also help them to share the same knowledge with their other members of staff. Computers become a vital gadget in several sectors; railways, banking, electricity, telephone departments, shopping carts etc are just but a few of them. Computers are also used in the medical industry to help doctors in diagnosing the diseases quickly and efficiently. 
All the administrative systems, whether private or public are now using computers and this practice can be evident in every part of the world.

Computers have also helped the media and the entertainment industries. Be it a multi-million dollars movie or a two minutes commercial, computers have changed the usual concept of providing entertainment to the public. With the computer business growing so fast, the computer industry has also brought about an invention. Tablets, palmtops, and laptops have replaced the desktops. With the decrease in size, it has become very easy to carry the computer and use them anywhere you are to the fullest.
The importance of computers in our daily lives can be judged by the number of people using them each single day. Computer is not only used by professionals, but also by the little children and grownups at our homes.

Today, everything related to your everyday life can be done using computers. You can order your breakfast online using your computer, you can read newspaper online, you can work from the comfort of your home with the help of your computer, you can watch movies and videos through your computer, you can listen to music through your computer, you can read novels and books through e-books, you can play games, you can also contact people and talk to them through your computer etc. These are just but a few things that can be done with the help of your computer.

Computers can save valuable time of employees in the office and help industries by making their employees productive and efficient in any office or business. Computers in schools will help the students to understand the basic concepts better with the help of audio and video examples. Computers in universities will help the researchers and professors to do their calculations quickly and in a better and efficient way and also help them to share the same with their counterparts.

Computers became an integrated part in several sectors; banking, railways, shopping carts, electricity, telephone departments etc are few in them. Even in the agricultural industry also we are using the technology developed with the help of computers. 
Medical industry also had improved a lot with the help of computers. Computers are helping doctors in diagnosing the diseases efficiently and quickly. All the administrative systems (whether it may be public or private) are using computers and this practice can be seen in every part of the world.

  
Now a day’s everything related to our daily life can be done through computers. You can read newspaper online within the computer, you can order your breakfast, you can work from home with the help of computer, you can listen to music through your computer and you can watch videos and movies, you can play games and you can read novels and other books through e-books, you can contact people and talk to them with the help of computer etc.
These are only few things which can be done with the help of computers. In the near future we can see the portable super computers which are much more advanced than the present computers.

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How to Uninstall Mac Applications

Uninstalling applications from Mac OS X is probably the easiest method of removing apps from any operating system, and it’s far easier on a Mac than anything you’ll encounter in the Windows world. It’s so simple that some new Mac users are left wondering what else they’re supposed to do, I have received several family tech support questions where they are determined to find an “Uninstall Programs” control panel like in Windows – this is not the case on a Mac, it’s dead simple.


First up we’ll cover the traditional method of just deleting the application. Then we’ll show you the even easier way that is new to modern versions of Mac OS, including OS X El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Lion, Mountain Lion, and beyond:

How to Uninstall Applications in Mac OS X the Classic Way

This is the same classic method of uninstalling a mac app that has been around since the dawn of the Mac. All you need to do is select and delete the application in the Finder, like so:

Go to the Finder in OS X if you haven’t done so already
Navigate to /Applications folder and select the app you want to uninstall
Either drag the application icon to the Trash, or right-click and select “Move to Trash”

 

Right-click on the Trash can and select “Empty Trash”

If you prefer keystrokes, you can also just select the app icon and then hit Command+Delete to move the app to Trash, then empty the Trash and the app will be removed. 

This method of uninstalling apps works in quite literally all versions of Mac OS X, from modern releases like OS X El Capitan (10.11.x) and prior to Snow Leopard as well, going back to the earliest releases of Mac OS. Now let’s move onto Lion and onward, which makes uninstalling apps from the Mac App Store as simple as doing the same on the iPhone.

Uninstalling Apps from the Mac App Store through Launchpad

Despite the already incredibly simple app uninstall process on a Mac, Lion and Mountain Lion onward makes it even easier by taking the iOS method. This works on apps installed through the Mac App Store, but not for apps installed manually through third party developers

• Open LaunchPad
• Click and hold on the icon of the app you want to uninstall
• When the app icon starts to jiggle, click on the black (X) icon that appears
• Click on “Delete” to confirm the removal of the app

You can also use the the drag-to-Trash method in Mac OS X, but LaunchPad is quickest for apps installed through the App Store
Using LaunchPad in Mac OS X 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.7, 10.8, and newer does not require you to empty the Trash afterwards, it’s all handled immediately. This should be familiar to anyone who has used an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, since the interface and tap-and-hold method is identical to what is in iOS. This is yet another reason that upgrading to Lion is compelling, it makes the Mac experience even simpler while still retaining the full power and potential behind Mac OS X. Deleting apps from LaunchPad wil

Removing App Library Files, Caches, & Preferences

Some applications will also leave behind some preference files and caches, generally these don’t harm anything to leave around, but if you want to delete them it’s just a matter of locating the apps support files and removing those as well. If you’d rather not dig around in these files yourself, you can turn to a utility like AppCleaner to delete the application along with all of it’s respective scattered preference files, but for those who would like to do this on their own, you can typically found these type of files in the following locations.

Application Support files (can be anything from saved states, preferences, caches, temporary files, etc):
~/Library/Application Support/(App Name)
Preferences are stored at:
~/Library/Preferences/(App Name)
Caches are stored in:
~/Library/Caches/(App Name)
Sometimes you will need to look for the developer name rather than the application name, since not all app files are identified by their name.

Again, these generally don’t do any harm to leave be, but they can take up some hard drive space, so users with smaller SSD’s might want to be pay more attention to the cache and support files that some applications generate. The biggest offender here is Steam, where if you play a lot of games it tends to gather a very large Application Support folder.

Note about applications that include separate uninstaller utilities

This is somewhat rare on a Mac, but some applications include their own uninstaller apps to remove all traces of an application. These are typically from Adobe or Microsoft because some of those applications will install more apps that aid the program, or place library files and associated application dependencies elsewhere in OS X. For example, Adobe Photoshop might install the Photoshop application in addition to Stock Photos, Help Viewer, Adobe Bridge, and others. In this case, you can either manually delete all the accompanying apps, or just run the uninstaller application that comes on the original installation method, whether it’s from the web or a DVD. If the app you wish to uninstall does include a dedicated uninstaller application, it’s generally a good idea to go that official route of removing the app so that the other associated items are removed from the Mac as well.

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Best Tools To Keep High Position Of Tech Blog Or Website

SEO is that the vital methodology of affecting the visibility of an internet website or a blog throughout a search engine’s search results.

In general, the earlier or higher stratified on the search results page, and extra often an internet website looks at intervals the search results list, the extra visitors it will receive from the search engine’s users. SEO may target utterly different types of search, along with image search, native search, video search, academic search, news search and industry-specific vertical search engines.

The best and free tools regarding SEO positioning that causes you to to optimize your blog to realize top position on the online. By practice exploitation tools you will keep your blog/website on the highest position. merely produce use of all the foremost effective tools that youmay or may not acknowledge.

1. Best SEO Tools For Keyword Analysis

As we have a tendency to all recognize Keyword planner is that the best tool for a study of the most keywords of our business. it’s necessary to get ideas for keywords through this tool and eventually export the leads to excel format. i do know that each blogger uses this tool for his or her success. this is often the simplest tool by the Google.

2. Keywordtool.io

This tool is straightforward to use as a result of here you simply got to enter the keyword and therefore the program of your country, so click on the search button. With this tool you’ll be able to get suggestions that ar most significant and frequent searches within the Google program and obtained from any keyword.

3. Google Trends

Google trends not only finds the foremost popular keywords however we have a tendency to even have to research the trend over time of it and if it’s a seasonal keyword, or if the trend is up or down.

4. Keyword Density Lite

Keyword density lite is the free tool for mobile devices that can be used very easily in tablets or Smartphones.

5. SEO Chat

Seo chat is a whole package of free SEO tools, among that area unit a pair of to figure keywords: the primary one for recommending the foremost vital keywords for Google, Bing, Amazon and YouTube, and therefore the second to investigate the keyword density of any content.

6. SEO Quake

SEO quake is one in every of my favorite tools for analyzing the density of the content of an editorial before publication. it’s a classic of SEO. in brief it’s an important tool for up SEO On page of our articles before publication.

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How to connect laptop to TV

Sometimes you feel like to play something on your TV instead of on your laptop. You might have downloaded a movie or you would like to show it to your family members or any others on the bigger screen (TV)…

A modern TV can be connected with a desktop or a laptop. Your PC turns into a playback gadget, with the TV going about as a screen. Using a HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) connecting cable is the much better way to do this.
This is actually a very simple process: all you need to connect your system to your TV is the right cable, lead or spilling equipment and you’ll be watching content from your PC on your TV quickly. We’ll take you through how to connect your PC or laptop to a TV in this simple guide using remote, HDMI, VGA and other different strategies.

1.Connect laptop to TV Using HDMI
HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) is now the most used and high quality connection available. All the HDTVs — not standard-definition TVs — will have this kind of connection now. But, your laptop might not. So you might need an adapter in order to convert HDMI cable into DVI (Digital Visual Interface). HDMI costs more than the other cables, yet it gives the best quality picture and also makes the cost justified, according to your requirements. Using HDMI cable is the most simple and low budget method and in turn provides the best quality picture (HD) and sound.

All you need to connect your laptop to your TV, – plug in the cable to your laptop and afterward one of your HDMI ports on your TV. In case you’re using the current version of Windows, all that you need to do is guarantee your portable PC is switch on your laptop, and your TV is set to the right HDMI channel, the laptop need to consequently configure to give you the best settings from here.



If the above setting doesn’t work out for you then follow this,
Go to Control Panel -> Display -> Adjust Resolution – from here you will see two drop down boxes. The important thing you should do is flip the Display drop down to check that your TV is chosen, next you need to check the Resolution drop down box coordinates the settings that are right for your TV.

1. Turn on your laptop and also TV.
2. Connect the HDMI lead to both of your TV and laptop.
3. Select the right HDMI input on your TV.
4. If suppose your laptop couldn’t automatically output screen to TV then, Open Control Panel -> Display -> Adjust Resolution and select the TV in the Display drop down

2. Connect laptop to TV Using VGA
VGA (Video Graphics Array) is another simple connector for both PCs and HDTVs. Much the same as DVI, VGA does not convey a sound sign. This is liable to just be a possibility for those of you with a laptop that is more than 4/5 years of age.

VGA is a video lead just, so you will need to go with this with a 3.5mm sound lead that you have to connect it from the earphone out attachment of your laptop to your sound in port of your TV or outside speakers.



Using a VGA implies Windows have to consequently arrange the settings like it would in the event that you were utilizing a HDMI cable. In any case, in case you’re encountering challenges then, open Control Panel -> Display -> Adjust Resolutions and take after the headings above.

1. Turn on your Laptop and TV on.
2. Connect your VGA cable to TV and Laptop.
3. Presently do likewise with your 3.5mm sound jack –use the earphone out port on the laptop and sound in on your TV or speakers.
4. Open Control Panel -> Display -> Adjust Resolution and check whether the TV is chosen in Display drop down box or not.

3. Connect laptop to TV using USB
Generally, USB to USB connection of laptop to TV shouldn’t work. On the other hand, a few organizations have created connectors that will change over your USB port to a HDMI out. You require extra software for your laptop to transform the USB port into a Video out port, so we firmly propose you check the USB to HDMI connector you need is good with your tablet before you purchase.



On the off chance that the connector is compatible, then setting up this system is to a great extent clear. Above all else you have to install the connector’s product/driver, and then it’s essentially an instance of running the product and interfacing your laptop to your TV.

4. Connect laptop to TV using wireless (WD TV Live media streamer)

WD TV Live is a media streamer with which you can connect to the HDMI port of your TV and connect with your home network system through its Ethernet port or Wi-Fi. This gives you a chance to play for all intents and play any kind of file including MKV, MP4, ISO/VOB and MOV.

You should do nothing more than connect the WD TV Live to your system and TV and share your laptop video folder on the system and WD TV Live will do the rest (giving you’re utilizing a Plug-and-Play switch, which for all intents and purposes all are).



The WD TV Live additionally transforms your TV into a semi-Smart TV as it gives you access to stores of TV applications, including Netflix and YouTube

1. Connect your WD TV Live set-top box to your home system by means of Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
2. Connect the WD TV Live to your TV with a HDMI Cable.
3. Share folder – with the recordings you wish to watch on your TV – to your home network system.
4. Select the HDMI channel that you have connected to your WD TV Live into.
5. Make use of the “WD file explorer” to find your common video folder.

   Selecting the cable

   These are the connections you will find, with picture quality ranging from highest to lowest. HDTVs offer multiple connections, with HDMI and DVI being the most common and highest quality options for connecting a laptop to an HDTV. Most standard-definition TVs support an S-Video connection, which delivers a less sharp picture.
   

   HDMI

   High-Definition Multimedia Interface or HDMI is currently the highest quality connection available. All HDTVs — not standard-definition TVs — will have this connection. However, your laptop might not. So you may need an adapter to convert the HDMI cable to DVI, a more typical computer connection.
   HDMI cable costs a bit more than the other cable options, but its superior picture quality might make the cost worth it, depending on your needs.
   Shop for HDMI connections and adapters.
   
   

   Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI Adapter

   For laptops with a Mini DisplayPort, special adapters are available to connect to the DisplayPort. This adapter is then attached to one end of an HDMI cable, while the other end of the HDMI cable connects with your HDTV. It delivers 1080p resolution. Initially developed by Apple for use in all of their Mac products, Mini DisplayPorts are also now included in various new PC laptops.
   Shop for Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters.
   
   

   DVI

   Digital Video Interface or DVI is a common connection, so your computer and an HDTV should have it. Again, a standard-definition TV likely won't support a DVI connection.
   If you want sound with a DVI connection, you will need a separate audio cable. Connect the audio cable from the headphones output of your laptop to the red and white audio input of your TV.
   Shop for DVI connections and adapters.
   
   

   VGA

   VGA, or Video Graphics Array, is another commonly found connection on both computers and HDTVs. Just like DVI, VGA does not carry an audio signal. Use the same method above for connecting a 3.5mm stereo audio cable.
   Shop for VGA cables.
   
   
   

   S-Video

   Some laptops and most TVs have an S-Video port. An S-Video cable is fairly inexpensive and provides moderate picture quality. As with DVI, you will need a separate audio cable if you want sound.
   S-Video is generally not suitable for high-definition video signals. HDMI or DVI cables are better options for hooking up to an HDTV.
   Shop for S-Video cables.
   

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Earth Day: Facts & History

Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the planet's environment and raise public awareness about pollution. The day, marked on April 22, is observed worldwide with rallies, conferences, outdoor activities and service projects.

Started as a grassroots movement, Earth Day created public support for the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contributed to the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act and several other environmental laws. The idea for Earth Day was proposed by then-Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, who died in 2005.

History

The first Earth Day was in 1970. Nelson, after seeing the damage done by a 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, was inspired to organize a national "teach-in" that focused on educating the public about the environment.

Nelson recruited Denis Hayes, a politically active recent graduate of Stanford University, as national coordinator, and persuaded U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey of California to be co-chairman. With a staff of 85, they were able to rally 20 million people across the United States on April 20, 1970. Universities held protests, and people gathered in public areas to talk about the environment and find ways to defend the planet.

"Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values," according to a history of Earth Day by the Earth Day Network, which was founded by the event's organizers to promote environmental citizenship and action year-round.

Reflecting on the 10th anniversary of Earth Day, Nelson wrote in anarticle for EPA Journal, "It was on that day that Americans made it clear that they understood and were deeply concerned over the deterioration of our environment and the mindless dissipation of our resources."

In 1995, President Bill Clinton awarded Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom for being the founder of Earth Day. This is the highest honor given to civilians in the United States.

Modern Earth Day

Earth Day continued to grow over the years. In 1990, it went global, and 200 million people in 141 countries participated in the event, according to the Earth Day Network.

Earth Day 2000 included 5,000 environmental groups and 184 countries. Hayes organized a campaign that focused on global warming and clean energy. "The world's leaders in Kyoto, Japan, in late 1997, acknowledged the scientific fact that the leading cause of global warming is carbon emissions from fossil-fuel consumption, and that something must be done to address those rising emissions," Hayes told National Geographic.

In 2010, for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, 225,000 people gathered at the National Mall for a climate rally. Earth Day Network launched a campaign to plant 1 billion trees, which was achieved in 2012, according to the organization.

The impact of Earth Day

Although Earth Day has become mainstream, surveys show that environmentalism may be stumbling. According to recent Gallup polls, 42 percent of Americans believe that the dangers of climate change are exaggerated, and less than half say that protection of the environmentshould be given priority over energy production.

But Earth Day is still important because it reminds people to think about humanity's values, the threats the planet faces and ways to help protect the environment, said Susan Clayton, a professor of psychology and environmental studies at The College of Wooster in Ohio.

"Thinking about the history of environmental activism and the way individuals have worked together to change policy can make us more optimistic about the ability to make positive changes in the future," Clayton said.

Mia Yamaguchi, outreach coordinator at the CoolClimate Network at the University of California, Berkeley's Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, agreed. "There are many, many things that any one person can do to manage their own environmental impacts, which I think makes it really different from worries like the national debt or U.S. foreign policy," Yamaguchi told Live Science in 2011.

In those cases, "I can probably write a letter to a politician, maybe donate to a cause," she said. "But if I actually start looking at what it would take to improve my vehicle's fuel efficiency by 5 miles per gallon, that makes a big difference."

The CoolClimate Network has a variety of online widgets for people interested in calculating their own energy footprint.

Earth Day activities

Each year, corporations and activists create new projects, initiatives and campaigns to protect and restore the Earth. Children in the United States often celebrate by creating Earth Day-themed crafts and school projects.

According to a survey from device recycler ecoATM, 30 percent of those polled plant a tree for Earth Day, and 23 percent clean up a local park. About 47 percent of those polled associate Earth Day with recycling.

Here are some Earth Day ideas from people around the country:

• There are two simple ways to celebrate Earth Day to make the world a little better," said Nathaniel Weston, an associate professor of environmental science at Villanova University. "The first is to promote understanding of important environmental issues so that more people are aware of the critical actions we need to take to protect our environment. The second is to commit yourself to service on or around Earth Day — plant some trees, clean up a stream or help your local community garden."
• Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, one of the world's largest environmental networks, told Live Science that anyone can make a difference on Earth Day by simply incorporating little changes into their daily routines. "Read your labels, and require transparency from your favorite brands. Make a pledge to keep water clean and accessible for years to come," Williams said. "Commit to making an at-risk species your mascot, and become an advocate for that particular species. There are so many different ways to make an impact — you just have to choose one!"
• "Take a walk in nature and simply appreciate it, plant a tree or a flower, pick up a discarded bottle and recycle it (even if it isn't yours), turn off your printer for a day, power off your computer and take a tech break, go vegetarian for a day, use a certified natural skin-care product. These are just a few simple ways to make a positive impact for yourself and for our Earth," Jennifer Barckley, director of brand communications and values at The Body Shop, a chain of bath and body products, told Live Science.
• "A simple way that everyone can celebrate Earth Day to make the world a better place is to turn off the lights in their own homes and in their offices ... not just sometimes, but all of the time," said Helene King, a member of the LifeBridge Health hospitals' Health Green Team in Baltimore. "It may sound simple, but how many times have you left the lights on when you could be saving energy?"

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