Back when Earth Day started 40 years ago, people interested in chemistry, physics and engineering were often associated with gas guzzlers, DDT, napalm and weaponry: Back then, new materials were perceived to be more with the “problem” then the “solution.”

We’ve come a long way! Now materials scientists, engineers, teachers, and related industries have shown that applications that make use of ceramics, glass, plastics, metals, composites and semiconductors – such as solar power equipment, efficient lights, high-performance batteries, fuel cells, water and air filters, wind turbines and nuclear waste sequestors – are key components of every nation’s strategy to clean and protect Spaceship Earth.

On this Earth Day and for the following week, share with us your brief story or idea about how materials are making a difference – and you might become a winner! Everyone who posts a story will be entered into a drawing for one of our Earth Day appropriate prizes that include items such as a solar robot kits, hydro clocks and hydrogen power remote control cars.

To post a story, simply sign in and enter you story or example in the comments thread below.

You can post as many stories as you want. (Please note that there will only be one entry in the drawing per email address.) We encourage links to news stories, pictures, blogs, videos, Facebook pages, etc. Short stories are welcome, but longer ones are, too.

We will keep the threads open for one week, until midnight, April 29. Winners will be notified by email.

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  • Energy