On April 22, millions of people all around the globe will celebrate Earth Day. The day will commemorate the battle against global warming, oil spills, polluting factories, the extinction of wildlife, and the push for clean energy.

Earth Day, which was first observed in 1970, was created to make it clear to America’s leaders in Washington, D.C. that the American people were concerned about the future of the earth. Earth Day immediately increased awareness about environmental issues, and continues to do so to this day. Twenty million Americans participated in the first Earth Day, and by 1990 that number had jumped to over 200 million people in over 100 countries. By the turn of the millennium, new issues had been brought to the forefront, including global warming. April 22, 2000, brought together nearly a billion people in 184 countries to continue the fight to preserve our planet.

People who want to take part in Earth Day commemorations can do so in a number of ways. Events are easy to find and attend on Earth Day. Nearly every college in the United States will have something planned on that day to allow students to participate. Events include everything from rallies to door-to-door awareness campaigns to simple recycling pushes.

There are also many ways for you to participate on Earth Day, and to lend a hand to the environmental effort, from the comfort of your own home. Earth Day is the perfect time to discover small ways that we can help simply by making minor changes in our everyday lives.

For example, many people waste gallons of water every morning when they brush their teeth by leaving the faucet running the entire time. By turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth, you will save up to 10 gallons of water.

Another common and easy way for you to celebrate Earth Day is to replace all of the regular incandescent light bulbs in your house or dorm room with compact fluorescent bulbs. Not only is this better for the environment, but it saves money in the long run.

Earth Day is also a great time to check the temperature setting on your refrigerator. If it is set below 40 degrees, then you are wasting energy. Along the same lines, check your freezer. Any setting below 0 degrees is a waste of energy.

Finally, many people use Earth Day as an opportunity to commute to work or school without polluting. Taking the bus or riding a bike instead of driving will help reduce air pollution and also save on fuel costs.

What are you doing this Earth Day? What is the best way for college students to participate?

With the competitive nature of the job market today, students are expected to graduate not only with a degree and good grades, but also with relevant work experience. Steady employment throughout college, even if it’s part-time, looks good to future employers because it shows that you are reliable, motivated and have mastered the art of time management.  Below is the first of a five part series that explores the 25  best jobs for college students.  The jobs found on this list will build both your character and your resume, while helping you pay for tuition too.

25. Computer lab tech assistant: If you are a fan of getting paid to do your homework and study, this could be a great gig for you throughout college. Computer lab techs on college campuses help students’ trouble shoot basic tech issues, ensure equipment is being used properly by lab users, and are responsible for opening and closing the lab. In between helping people print last minute assignments and repeatedly yelling “no food or drinks in the lab,” you should have plenty of time to tackle more important tasks, like your homework.

24. Golf Caddy/Starter: A caddy not only carries a player’s bag, but they also offer advice and moral support. A starter directs the flow of play and ensures that golfers progress through their rounds in a timely and appropriate manner. This is a great job for golf enthusiasts and is also a great networking opportunity for college students since many local business people golf both on the weekends and during business hours. Besides having a chance to meet and talk to people in the business community, discounts or free golf rounds are usually offered.

23. Resident Advisor: Calling all future administrators and counselors; this is the job you should want to have. While these gigs are competitive and hard to come by, skills you will gain as an RA are highly transferable. A resident advisor lives where he/she works. RA’s are responsible for building a positive community, assisting residents with personal and academic issues, upholding university policy and serving as a liaison between the school and the students. A common perk of the job is free or reduced living costs as well as an hourly rate.

22. Writer/Blogger: With the trend moving towards virtual workplaces, and the importance of web content for digital marketing purposes, you may be able to find work as a freelance writer or blogger for a company or industry blog. Many companies pay per blog post, and if your work is good, you can find continuous work with the company. If you are interested in a specific area, why not start your own blog? The blog also serves as a live resume for future employers. Essentially, a blog is a peak into how you write, think, and what is important to you as an individual and a professional.

21. Promotional Spokesperson: Promotional spokespeople are well paid and have the opportunity to work during sporting events, concerts and festivals. Promotional companies usually look for “go-getter” types who aren’t afraid to talk to people about a certain brand, product or event that they are trying to sell. If this describes you, this is a great opportunity to improve your communication, marketing and customer service skills, all while earning a great pay and having fun.

Do you agree with the jobs on this list? Let us know what you think is the best way to make money in college by leaving a comment below. All comments received by 11:59 pm PST on April 30th will be entered for a chance to win an iPod Nano. The winner will be announced and notified by May 7th, 2010.