|
The History of
Earth Day
In 1970 there were two groups who celebrated the first "Earth
Day", although on different dates. Senator Gaylord Nelson
campaigned for environmental issues for years before organizing a
"teach-in" on April 22, 1970 modeled after war demonstrators'
"sit-ins." The grass roots effort turned into a national
demonstration on behalf of the environment. "Wire
services carried the story from coast to coast. The response was
electric. The American people finally had a forum to
express its concern about what was happening to the land, rivers,
lakes, and air - and they did so with spectacular exuberance,"
commented Senator Nelson after the event. At the same
time another early environmental activist, John McConnell,
convinced the Mayor of San Francisco to declare March 21st be
recognized as Earth Day. March 21st is the vernal equinox, the
first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. Most
people celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, and there is much debate
between the two groups over who really founded Earth Day.
Regardless of who gets credit, all did so for the same reasons- to
create awareness environmental problems in the political
and cultural
mainstreams.
The 42nd annual observance of
Earth Day will be April 22,
2012.
Take part in some type of Earth Day event this year, or create
your own celebration. Click here for
local events.
|
