Earth day has been a U.S. holiday since April 22, 1970. It had its beginnings in 1969 when a senator’s concern over a large oil spill in California and increasing pollution across the nation, spurred him to action.
For that first Earth Day, according to the Earth Day Network, “20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.”
The enthusiasm, conversations and collaborations from this led to creation of EPA and the Clean Air, Clean Water & Endangered Species Acts.
Earth Day went global in 1990, and people around the world continue to come together in support and celebration of Earth every April 22.
For a deeper look, visit the Earth Day Network www.earthday.org
Celebration suggestions
- Take a Nature Appreciation Hike
- Take electronic & hazardous wastes to community collection sites (instead of landfill)
- Plant a tree
- Help with community green spaces (creation/improvement/cleanup/funding)
- Going “carless” for the day
- Have an organic food potluck
Take it beyond Earth Day:
- Use a water filter instead of buying bottled water
- Recycle at home, work and school
- Don’t leave water running while brushing teeth, doing dished, etc.
- Make a game of family members reminding each other to turn off/unplug
- Walk or Bike for short trips
- Combine multiple stop/errands into one car trip
