The History of Earth Day!

The decades that led up to the creation of Earth Day were full of power plants, polluting factories, raw sewage dumps, pesticides, the building of freeways, leaded gasoline and the oblivious concern for how polluted environments can threaten human health. In 1962 Rachael Carson’s book“Silent Spring” (Link to story https://www.nrdc.org/stories/story-silent-spring)became New York Times bestseller and began to raise awareness about our environment and the links between pollution and public health.

In 1969 a junior senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, aman who always held concern for the environment, witnessed a massive oil spill offSanta Barbara, California. Being inspired by the student anti-war movement, heannounced the idea for a teach-in on college campuses to the national media. DenisHayes (a young activist) was recruited. They chose April 22because it fell between spring break and final exams, meaning that moststudents would be present.

The movement soon spread across the nation and in 1970, the name Earth Day was born, getting national media attention and inspiring 20 million Americans (10% of the population at that time) to demonstrate against 150 years of industrial development and a long list of human health impacts. Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare unity from all walks of life and different political backgrounds. By the end of the year, the creation of the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency and other laws and first of their kind acts were developed and initiated. Two years later, the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Air Act were formed.

In 1990, Denis Hayes was once again brought in to spearhead the Earth Day campaign and this time it went global. 200 million people and 141 countries were connected, paving the way for the importance and impact of recycling. Senator Nelson was given the Medal of Freedom (the highest honor given to a civilian in the US) in 1992. As the year 2000 approached, Hayes also went on to push the issues of global warming and the need for clean energy.

Today, Earth Day is recognized as the largest secular observance in the world. Over 1 billion people take action to recreate policy changes and fight for the land they love and call home. It is a time when we can reflect and appreciate the planet where we live, stand up for what we believe in and fight for the under appreciated species that we share our space with. This year I hope you can all take some time, say thank you and I love you to the one we owe our life to. To our mother, Mother Earth.

Happy Earth Month!

Jody

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