Earth Day
Education and activism around environmental issues are central to this holiday.
Education and activism around environmental issues are central to this holiday.
Names: Earth Day, International Mother Earth Day
Education and activism around environmental issues are central to this holiday.
Origin
Earth Day was founded by organizer Denis Hayes and Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970. Rallies were held in cities across the United States and 20 million Americans came out to protest 150 years of excessive industrial development and environmental destruction. Earth Day and Rachel Carson's groundbreaking book Silent Spring, which detailed the environmental harm of pesticides, motivated environmental advocacy in America. By the end of 1970, the government responded to public pressure and created the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Earth Day became a global holiday in 1990 when environmental activists partnered with Denis Hayes to take the holiday worldwide. During Earth Day 1990, 141 nations participated. In 1992, the United Nations responded to the popular support with the Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit, the first time the U.N. focused exclusively on sustainability. The U.N. recognized April 22nd as International Mother Earth Day in 2009.
Traditions
Earth Day is a day for education and activism. Schools, non-profits, governments and individuals engage in environmental volunteerism. Activist groups and nonprofits host teach-ins on environmental issues. Cleanups of beaches and parks are popular Earth Day activities. Many municipal governments offer free public transit on Earth Day. Some city governments close streets to cars for the day.
The official website for Earth Day features education and activist programs to help individuals get involved.
What to do
"Happy Earth Day" is an appropriate greeting. People are encouraged to volunteer and engage in environmental education. Participate in local actions to celebrate Earth Day. Read Silent Spring to remember the start of climate activism in America.