Earth Day Facts and History

Earth Day was inspired by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. Senator Nelson's idea for Earth Day occurred over a period of seven years beginning in 1962. For some time, it had been bothering him that the condition of the environment was not important in the politics of the nation. In November 1962, an idea occurred to him that the environmental issues needed to be placed into the political spotlight. Senator Nelson began speaking to different groups across the country including university campuses and the United Auto Workers. His speeches drew interest and pointed attention to the environmental issues facing our planet during that time.

First Earth Day Observed

Senator Nelson along with an organizing committee planned the first Earth Day as a teach-in across the country on university campuses. On April 22, 1970 the first Earth Day was observed with approximately 20 million Americans participating. There were coast to coast rallies, including peaceful college protests against the deterioration of the environment, community involvement, as well as primary and secondary school events.

Results of First Earth Day

The results of the very first Earth Day in 1970 were the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clear Water, and the Endangered Species acts. Earth Day also obtained an uncommon political stance with support from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Earth Day brought unity to a cause among people from all walks of life. Senator Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of freedom for his role as the founder of Earth Day.

Earth Day Throughout the Years

Earth Day was launched internationally in 1990; 200 million people participated in 141 countries. Earth Day had become a global event. Earth Day 1990 focused on recycling efforts worldwide and paved the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As the millennium approached it was decided to campaign for issues such as global warming and clean energy. Earth Day 2000 had the internet to connect the participants around the world; over 5,000 groups were reaching out to hundreds of millions of people in 184 countries. Hundreds of thousands of people met on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Earth Day 2007 had an estimated billion people participating in events across the world.

Earth Day 2010 marks the 40^th anniversary of this worldwide environmental event. There are campaigns and events planned throughout the world to continue the cause for a greener and cleaner planet.

How Can I get Involved?

What can you do to get involved and celebrate Earth Day 2010? You can take action by participating in a local event, search the internet for Earth Day opportunities offered in your area, or contact local officials for more information. If there are no local activities planned, why not volunteer to organize an event where you live? There are many campaigns and events listed on Earth Day Network, find one that you might support and become involved. Easy but not so easy ideas would be to change one or more personal habits.

Creating a carpool with co-workers or other parents to reduce the amount you drive your vehicle.

Ride your bike or walk when going on short trips.

Shut off lights and appliances when you leave the room.

Compost yard waste instead of sending it to a landfill.

Use your community's recycling programs, or start one if such a program is not in place.

Use reusable shopping bags instead of paper or plastic bags.

Sources:
http://earthday.envirolink.org/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day