Everyone started to get ready for Earth Day. First they thought that they should hold the fair at Arthur's house, but he said more people would notice if it was somewhere like at a park, or a school.

Finally, they had everything ready, and were at El Oso Park. Kwami was standing in front of what was about a hundred and fifty trees, holding a clipboard. Next to him were a several different phamplets, some explaining the importance of trees, others explaining what kinds of trees were appropriate to plant in what climate, and so forth. At last minute the decuplet said that they should have a 'Pet Plants' assignment. Everyone would be given a special pet plant and they would be paid according to how well they took care of it.

Wheeler was in charge of emptying out the trash cans every two hours and explaining why it was important to recylce, and taking down names and adresses of people who would be participating. All the trash cans had been designed by the decuplts, who had put the recycling triangle on them in different colors, and the Planeteer logo and motto. They had used a lot of red so that people would notice it as they passed.

Linka was in charge of the lights, computers, or any other electrical equipment, and Gi of refreshments. Mati was in charge of selling souvenirs, Planeteer shirts, caps, shoes, socks, underwear, and pants. It seemed like all the money and effort they had put into publicity had paid off. It seemed like almost half of the city was there.

"This is just great."Arthur told Mati, as they handed out three pairs of different colored socks to a bunch of boys. "Just think, pretty soon we will have eight hundred people, from what Kwami just told me. Eighteen hundred, of course, in just the 'Arbor' club." That was what they had agreed to the name of Kwami's branch was going to be. "Not to mention that we already have a job for the 'Three R's' club." The Three R's was Wheeler's branch. "Just a few days ago, this man, you know how some of the houses have wooden fences around their yards? Well, this is a problem because dogs can dig really easy and make holels, and destroy these. Well, you see, he had some people but a brick fence up, and take this old one down, and now he's got a bunch of wood all over the back yard, and he needs to get rid of it. What we're going to do is take all this away, and make sure it gets to the recycling center. Otherwise, it might just stay there, or go to the dump."

"That's true. How many trees could we save just by recycling that fence."

"And of course, we already have people signed up, too, for the other branches. The 'Humane' branch," This was what Mati's branch was called a name which had been borrowed form the Humane Society. "We've already got about ninety people. The problem here is, of course, that most people already have pets, or they can't afford one. However, we will have a two and ten visiting the animal shelter twice a week. They can't adopt the animals, but it will be something. Almost a thousand people have joined the 'Hydro' and "Avi' clubs, too."

"This is working out great, Arthur."

"Yes, it is." Arthur replied.

Almost six months later, when they were going over the data, they found that things were going even better than expected.

"Would you believe that in these last two months, they have only had to fill one landfill when before it had to be at least ten a month. Wheeler deserves a big hand clap, and we're starting to see a change in the oxygen content already, and the smog, too! With all the people conserving energy, and then with all the carpools we've arranged, things have started to look better. The water is also a little cleaner, and it looks like people are using less of it. At least the ones signed up on the 'Hydro' club. I've been thinking. You see, I thought maybe we should wait a year, but I don't want to wait any longer.

I've just come up with an even better idea! You see, what we should do is start expanding. First, of course, we should hold another fair, to let people know just how successful things are. Second, we shall start selling ecocars. They will work like the Geocruiser, of course, you know solar-powered. And, then we should also have the people in the Avi club really start to live by the three R's, we will start installing solar panels in their homes, with their permission, of course, and that way, they use even less energy. And there's less homeless animals at the animal shelters.

And last, but not least, you see, we should aim at a younger audience. We should start a television show, maybe video game. Captain Planet and the Planeteers. Most video games are violent, however, this one will sort of use the fact that video games influence kids to its advantage. You see, you guys, you will have to do your best to save the planet. That's how you win, and on this one, anyways, there's no going back! Not like the other ones, that oh, geez, I made a mistake, better restart. No, that won't count. All the best video game players will be invited to show their strength, and we will listen to anyone who has any suggestions as to how to make the show, the Movement, or the game better. That way people feel like they have a say in all this."

"Arthur, this is great!"cried Gi.

"We just couldn't believe it, Cuzzy. We should have started all this a long time ago."said Ma.Xamila.

"Yes, we should have. But nobody thought of it before us."commented Ma.Xitlalli.

"Can't you guys look on the bright side of things for once in your life? Maybe we did start kind of late, but at least we started. Better late than never. Besides, it's a success. Maybe there is hope after all."

"We guess so. When will we start?"

A week later, everyone had gather at El Oso park again. Everyone was anxious to hear who the winners were.

"We have a surprise for everyone."Arthur was telling them. "This Planeteer movement has been very successful, and because it exceeded expectations, we will reward the winners with something much, much more than just their prize money. We will give them their own enviornmental friendly car! You can design your own, or you can choose one of the designs we have here in this book!"

Cheers and applause went through the crowds. Now no one could wait to see if they had won.

"Imagine life without having to worry about gas prices! Without having to worry whether you have enough gas to get where you're going! Not having to worry about a gas shortage! Not having to worry if we will run out of gasoline! Now, the winners. Mati."

Mati handed Arthur the list. When they heard their names they ran to take their check and look through the designs. Everyone else just applauded politely, obviously dissappointed that it had not been them. After the prize giving, Arthur made another announcement.

"I have another announcement, Planeteers. First of all, congratulations to the winners. Hopefully, everyone else will be motivated to try harder and hopefully, have better luck next time. And, apart from continuing with the original projects, we will start new ones. Who here loves to play video games? I know I do. Who's good at video games? I know I am. Who would like to see the Planeteers, and join on their adventures every day? Well, I know I would. That is exactly why we Captain Planet and the Planeteers will be making its debut in three months! Both the video game and the TV series!"

Later, they were sitting around Arthur's living room, drinking tea, and discussing the day's events.

"Things are going much, much better than planned. You see, I told everyone that people did care."Mati was saying.

"Well, we've still got a long way to go, but we can't lose hope. Remember, the power really is ours to make a difference. We are just sixteen people, and just look what we've done. Just us. Know people know that they can make a difference. Maybe that's what motivated them. That's a very powerful feeling. The future is in their hands."

The End