What Are Some Facts About Earth Day?

Earth Day, which has been celebrated on April 22 for over 40 years, is an annual day of environmental awareness, education and activism. Started by a U.S. senator in 1970, Earth Day is now observed in nearly 200 countries.

Here are a few interesting facts about Earth Day:

• Earth Day was started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson.
• The first Earth Day was observed on April 22, 1970.
• Although Earth Day was started by a senator, it was successful because it was a grassroots movement, not a political mandate.
• April 22 was chosen as the date of the first Earth Day because it would not interfere with college students’ academic, social or religious obligations. It’s not during Spring Break or exam time, and it doesn’t conflict with any religious holidays. This was important because students were the main target of Senator Nelson’s “teach-in” campaign.
• The awareness and excitement generated by the first Earth Day led to the development of the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Environmental Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. It also inspired necessary changes to the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
• Many politicians linked to environmentally unfriendly industries were voted out of office in the 1970 midterm elections following the first Earth Day.
• The Earth Day Network is an international conglomeration that engages people in nearly 200 countries in community development and environmental activism activities.
• Some people observe a different kind of Earth Day on the day of the vernal equinox (usually around March 20). This Earth Day celebrates a more spiritual aspect of life on earth and is not focused as heavily on political or environmental issues.

History of Earth Day

Until the early 1960s, the environment was not high on most people’s political agendas or priority lists. In 1965, in fact, only 17% of Americans cited cleaning up our air and water as one of their top three political priorities. All of this began to change, however, when Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson gave environmental politics back to the people.

Nelson had been working for several years to bring the environment into the political limelight in Washington, but to no avail. In 1969, he realized that when the people are passionate about a cause, the government gets behind them, and not the other way around. He had been trying to shed light on the issue through politicians, but by switching tactics and inspiring grassroots movements around the nation instead, he got a lot more done.

The late ‘60s saw student groups especially powerful to bring about awareness and change. Anti-war “teach-ins” – public, practical, action-oriented, educational forums – were being held regularly on campuses across the nation, and they had proven very effective. Senator Nelson took this idea and, in Seattle on September 20, 1969, announced a huge grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment that would take place the following spring.

The media spread the idea like wildfire, the people did not disappoint, and on April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million Americans held Earth Day events across the nation. Furthermore, in 1970, the percentage of Americans who cited cleaning up our air and water as one of their top three political priorities had jumped to a whopping 53%.

Nelson was understandably pleased with the success of Earth Day, but he never intended it to be an annual event. He thought that getting environmental issues into the spotlight once in a big way was enough to spark lasting political change, but the people had invested themselves so wholeheartedly in the cause that local Earth Day events have been held ever since.

Getting Involved in an Earth Day Event

There are probably local Earth Day events you can attend in your community, and the Earth Day Network’s website can direct you to them. Or, if you want to host your own event, grab a few friends and make it happen.

• Plant trees
• Create an art exhibit using works made from what would have otherwise been thrown away
• Turn off and unplug everything in your house all day
• Walk or bike to work
• Get creative

Earth Day started because of people doing just that, and it continues today because folks still care enough to organize activities in their communities.