Earth Day

Earth Day, April 22nd, is a celebration of our planet but is also meant to bring awareness to climate change and the importance of protecting our environment. Earth day has been around since 1970 and has a pretty impressive history surrounding it! Today Earth Day is not celebrated only in the United States, over 193 countries have events in honor of Earth Day every year. Want to learn more about the history of Earth Day and what you can do? Then stick around!

History

Gaylord Nelson

Earth Day was founded by a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, after seeing the damages caused by the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara California. After recruiting Pete McCloskey and Denis Hayes they were able to build a group of 85 strong to promote the event and to inspire environmental protection to be looked at more closely by politicians.  Twenty million Americans came together to demand a healthier and more sustainable environment through rallies. Colleges hosted protests against the treatment of the environment. Because of their efforts by the end of 1970’s, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts were passed! On top of that the United States Environmental Protection Agency was founded.

Twenty years later, Denis Hayes was asked to organize the event again, but on an even bigger scale this time; over 200 million people were involved in 141 countries! Saving the planet was becoming not just a local cause, but a global one! The awareness that the 1990 Earth Day brought led to the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Governments came together to figure out a way to continue economic development and stop the irreversible destruction that had already happened. Earth Day has continued to inspire and push for change. The 2010 Earth Day led to the creation of A Billion Acts of Green, which is the largest environmental service project. It took place in 192 countries and they even started a global tree planting initiative.

What can you do in honor of Earth Day?

Earth Day has a pretty amazing and inspiring history, that you can still be part of. It is even more important now than ever to join in and send a message of the importance of a clean environment.  This year’s campaign is to Protect Our Species.

1.Write a  letter to  government officials; tell them why climate  change and action against it is important.

2.Participate  in trash clean ups

Check  out this  website to  find an organized  clean up in your area:  https://cleanup.earthday.org/

3.Try  a 30 day  zero-waste challenge!

What  better  day to start  then earth day?  Check out this awesome  guide.

4. Adopt an animal at a natural preserve.

5. Go experience and enjoy nature for yourself! Go on a hike or the beach!

Take the time to remember why the earth is so special and why we need to work to save and  preserve its beauty!

As important as Earth Day is, remember that everyday should be Earth Day. The changes and the good you do should not be only on one day. Let Earth Day inspire you to make changes in your life and to go out and demand change! Let the history of Earth Day Inspire you!

https://www.livescience.com/50556-earth-day-facts-history.html

https://www.earthday.org/about/the-history-of-earth-day/

Written by Sarah King

Edited by Sydney Graham