April 22 is Earth Day, which had been around just slighter longer than I have. Now celebrated globally, it began in the United States in 1970 as a day to raise awareness about the environment.
Prior to that, the environment was pretty much defenseless. People had little to no control over the pollutants in their air. Animal species were declining in great numbers. Companies could dump toxic waste into a local river without being held accountable. Lots of citizens were angry, but nothing changed.
Putting environmental action on the political agenda was the brainchild of Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson, who was inspired after viewing the decimated landscape from a California oil spill. When Nelson went public with his idea of a national day for the environment, the response was enormous.
Newspapers and magazines built momentum while grassroots organizations across the country rallied to make Earth Day “the most famous unknown event in modern American history.” It was so dubbed by historian Adam Rome because there is no single way of celebrating the day.
True to the grassroots beginnings that made it possible, Earth Day is now observed annually in hundreds of different ways around the world.
Sofie dances on a rock at Blithewold Gardens, Bristol, Rhode Island.
Fun Facts:
- The first Earth Day was originally given the moniker, “National Teach-In on the Crisis of the Environment” because Senator Nelson was inspired by college teach-ins, where students raised awareness about the Vietnam War.
- April 22 was the date chosen because it fit in with college schedules, between spring break and exams. In 1970, it also fell on a Wednesday, a day organizers believed would offer the best turnout for rallies.
- An estimated 20 million Americans took action on the first Earth Day, including more than 100,000 New Yorkers who created a “human jam” on Fifth Avenue.
- On its 20th anniversary, Earth Day was celebrated by 200 million people across the world.
- The response to Earth Day led to the December 1970 formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dedicated to working for “a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.”
- For many kids, Earth Day is their first exposure to environmental topics in the classroom.
- Thanks to Senator Nelson and the national success of the first Earth Day, the 1970s became the “Environmental Decade” with Congress passing 28 pieces of legislation including the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act.
- For its 40th anniversary in 2010, Earth Day was celebrated by more than 1 billion people in 180 countries.
- In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 as International Mother Earth Day.
-
In schools, Earth Day is the third most activity-inspired holiday (after Halloween and Christmas). Try these kid-friendly Earth Day crafts.
Origami planting pots. Photo by Annie Riechmann.
What Can You Do for Earth Day?
- Many people use that day to commit to an environmental action. Join the international movement and make your pledge public with A Billion Acts of Green.
- Participate in a community cleanup. Check with your local environmental organizations for neighborhood cleanups. There’s always one going on somewhere, and cleanups are a simple way to make a difference.
- Get outside. Whether you take a hike, start your garden or head to the coast, being out in nature rejuvenates the soul and reminds us why this planet is worth protecting.
- Get a home energy audit. This one task will save you money as well as energy.
- Determine your ecological footprint with this calculator.
- Get crafty. Here are some simple arts and crafts activities for kids from ages 2 to 7.
- Want more ideas? From snacks to swaps, here are 10 Green Ideas from Mother Nature Network for honoring Earth Day.
This post is featured in Party Wave Wednesday at HolisticSquid.com.
