In the Beginning...
In 1963, former Senator Gaylord Nelson began to worry about our planet. Senator Nelson knew that our world was getting dirty and that many of our plants and animals were dying.
In 1963, former Senator Gaylord Nelson began to worry about our planet. Senator Nelson knew that our world was getting dirty and that many of our plants and animals were dying.
He wondered why more people weren't trying to solve these problems. He talked to other lawmakers and to the President. They decided that the President would go around the country and tell people about these concerns. He did, but still not enough people were working on the problem.
The Idea
Then, in 1969, Senator Nelson had another idea. He decided to have a special day to teach everyone about the things that needed changing in our environment. He wrote letters to all of the colleges and put a special article inScholastic Magazine to tell them about the special day he had planned.
Then, in 1969, Senator Nelson had another idea. He decided to have a special day to teach everyone about the things that needed changing in our environment. He wrote letters to all of the colleges and put a special article inScholastic Magazine to tell them about the special day he had planned.
The Holiday
On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was held. People all over the country made promises to help the environment. Everyone got involved and since then, Earth Day has spread all over the planet. People all over the world know that there are problems we need to work on and this is our special day to look at the planet and see what needs changing. Isn't it great?
On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was held. People all over the country made promises to help the environment. Everyone got involved and since then, Earth Day has spread all over the planet. People all over the world know that there are problems we need to work on and this is our special day to look at the planet and see what needs changing. Isn't it great?
One person had an idea and kept working until everyone began working together to solve it. See what happens when people care about our world?
Some of the most important federal legislation was passed during the 1970's, thanks in large part, to Sen. Nelson and his grassroots environmental movement.
- The Environmental Protection Agency
- The Clean Air Act of 1970
- The Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Clean Water Act of 1972
- Safe Drinking Water Act
- The Endangered Species Act of 1973
- Toxic Substances Control Act
- The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
What can we/I do to help!
- Use compact flourescent light bulb.
- Use fewer plastic bags at Walmart. Do not put the gallon jugs, the potatoes, the paper goods and other large things in plastic bags. If I really wanted to, I could use reusable bags.
- The running faucet -turn water off while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Don't idle your car for more than one minute.
- Wash full loads of clothes.
- Limit Styrofoam. It is not biodegradable. Use paper plates instead of Styrofoam plates.
- Use rags or towels for cleaning, instead of paper towels.
- Recycle, recycle, and recycle some more.
- Do not litter- our rule was that if the birds/animals would eat it, then it could be thrown out.
- Plant a tree.
- Fight the concrete plant being proposed in our home town.
Now, the fight for a clean environment continues.I invite you to be a part of this history and a part of Earth Day. Decide what you can do to make a difference.
Here is Rick and the grandchildren planting flowers and shrubs.
Leave a comment on other things that we can do to help the Earth or what you are willing to do to help the environment. Rick will love this; because I never cut off a light. I am going to try to cut off lights and do some recycling.
