Desert gold flowers bloom on Earth Day as a nearly full moon rises in Death Valley National Park, California.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

The first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970.

55 years later, we know a lot more about the harmful effect human civilization has on our natural environment. But the desire to find solutions – big and small – continues.

We asked you about your contributions to helping the environment around you. Many of you told us of local solutions to this global challenge.

Those types of stories are the focus of The New York Times series “50 States, 50 Fixes.” The series highlights environmental solutions with real results in every state.

What projects have been most successful?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.