5 Facts You Should Know About Earth Day

5 Facts You Should Know About Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day. It's a day when people across the world take time to be grateful for the planet and its natural resources. Each year on this day humans highlight the importance of maintaining our environment for future generations to enjoy.

On this day, there are a lot of things you can do to celebrate. Take a walk, ride a bike, swim, spend time outdoors, plant a tree, or recycle. This is the perfect time to honor the Earth and do something that will make a difference.

As you prepare to celebrate Earth Day, here are a few facts you should know:

Earth Day: Inspired By The Vietnam War Protesters

Earth Day began in 1970. Then Wisconsin senator, Gaylord Nelson, noticed people protesting the war. Why were they not pressuring the government about the damage done to the planet? There were reports of contaminants such as deadly smog, pesticides, and oil spills in the news. The need for a yearly reminder of the fragility of the planet became a priority. Thus inspiring the beginning of Earth Day.

April 22 chosen, in an appeal to college students

Senator Nelson and grad student Denis Hayes choose April 22. They wanted to appeal to college students who were active during the era of protests. This date fell between the spring break and final examinations.

The Holiday's Strong Start In The US

When Earth Day started in 1970, over 20 million Americans celebrated. Today it has grown in popularity, celebrated by billions of civic-minded people in over 192 countries.

The Earth Day Movement Influenced the Creation of EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was approved by President Richard Nixon in 1970. Its creation was influenced by the Earth Day Movement. The movement influenced legislation on clean water & air, endangered species, and toxic substances.

Everyone Can Take Part In Earth Day

As long as you feel you are a civic-minded individual who cares about Mother Nature, you can take part in Earth Day.

You can march, clean up your community, plant trees, reduce waste at home, and more.

Proactive governments and corporations often use Earth Day to make announcements. Sustainability pledges and measures to support the environment are popular.

Remember, the theme for Earth Day 2021 is Restore Our Earth.

There are finite resources on our planet. Let's not waste those resources by being careless about our actions. If we don't maintain a healthy planet, we will be the ones to face the consequences.

"A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they will never sit."- Greek Proverb