Eco Friendly

Origin of Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22 by millions of people and national governments in approximately 175 countries. Rather than limiting the event to one day, most cities spend the entire week of April 22 celebrating Earth Day. There are actually two different observances for Earth Day. Both are held annually, one in the spring in the northern hemisphere, and one in the fall in the southern hemisphere. A global observance is held in the spring, April 22. 

In September 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson announced at a conference in Seattle, Washington that there would be a nationwide demonstration on the environment. Nelson proposed this event to make the environment a national topic of discussion. During this time, Americans were not concerned about “going green” nor did they know the concept. People drove trucks with V8 engines filled with leaded gasoline. Air pollution was often accepted as the sweet smell of prosperity and factories gave off smoke and soot without fear of health risks. Gaylord Nelson’s Earth Day concept would soon change all this.

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans began protesting for a healthier environment. People went out into the streets, parks and wherever else they could to get the word out. The national Earth Day coordinator, Denis Hayes, organized coast-to-coast rallies. Colleges and universities also organized protests against polluting the environment. Groups eventually united in order to fight for one cause—the environment. Protestors of oil spills, toxic dumps and the loss of wildlife, realized they shared a common value. The first Earth Day led to the founding of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts followed.

While one week is too short of a time to celebrate Earth Day, it is a good opportunity to promote a healthier way of life. We should be dedicated to improving the quality of our environment every day, all year long.