What a fantastic day to think about all the wonderful things the Earth provides for us, and to become more aware about issues that hurt the Earth.Ever wonder why Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd of every year? Ever wonder what is hurting the Earth, and what you can do to help make the Earth a healthier place? Read more to
find out.
McConnell Speaks
In 1969 environmentalist John McConnell gave a powerful and moving speech at a national environmental conference. McConnell felt that too many politicians and multli-million dollar companies were neglecting the health of the Earth. He enthusiastically called American citizens to action to help stop the devastating destruction of the Earth's land, air, and water. McConnell proposed to all listening ears the idea of a day to celebrate the Earth...an Earth Day. John MConnell can be given credit for the idea of Earth Day; however, it was the political know-how of two other men that put Earth Day into the U.S. and world consciousness.
A Call To National Action
Though John McConnell originated the idea of an Earth Day, it was Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and his partner and friend environmentalist / Harvard student Denis Hayes who can be credited with getting McConnell's Earth Day idea to catch on.
Senator Nelson spent many months promoting a national Earth Day. He spoke in front of both houses of Congress, he chatted up friends and colleagues, and sent letters to state governors, and even the president. Senator Nelson eventually made a phone call to a student at Harvard University.
Harvard student Denis Hayes had ideas about a national Earth Day that aligned with Senator Nelson's ideas. The two men spent many days and weeks talking about how to bring Earth Day to America, and they finally decided to have a teach-in.
When Was the First Earth Day?
The first national Earth day was held on April 22, 1970. Millions of teachers and students from coast to coast participated in the very first Earth Day. The reaction from the American public to Earth Day was a pleasant surprise to Senator Nelson and Denis Hayes. Nelson and Hayes received thousands upon thousands of letters, telegrams, and phone calls regarding the need to continue Earth Day every year.
The American Public Has An Environmental Forum
The American public now had a national forum to discuss the issues that were hurting the environment. Water, land, and air pollution were now topics that politicians and multi-million dollar business owners could not avoid. Before 1970, the United States had almost no laws protecting the environment and the animals that depended on its health. As a result of the first Earth day, laws like the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed by the U.S. Congress (Environmental Policy of the UNited States. 2011, March 14. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_policy_of_the_United_States).
Earth Day Goes Global
Since the very first Earth Day in 1970, the idea of Earth Day has attracted not only more American interest, but also the interests of the rest of the world. In 2010, the worldwide interest in Earth Day was readily apparent when over 170 countries celebrated Earth Day (Jaquette, Leslee. 2010. Celebrate Earth Day's 40th Birthday on April 22, 2010. http://50plusnorthwest.com/?p=414).
Earth Day Activities:
Clean It Up!
At your school, organize a few hours out of the school day for campus clean up. Provide rubber gloves and trash bags to the students and walk the campus. Pick up trash and other items that make your school's campus dirty.
A Can Drive
Aluminum cans are some of the most recycled materials. At your school, have classes compete with each other in aluminum can collecting. Though glass is also recyclable, bringing glass to school might cause issues.
Earth Day Resources
United States EPA Website
The White House Earth Day Guide
Earth Day Printables
If you would like to learn more read Fun Facts About Earth Day for Preschoolers.
find out.
McConnell Speaks
In 1969 environmentalist John McConnell gave a powerful and moving speech at a national environmental conference. McConnell felt that too many politicians and multli-million dollar companies were neglecting the health of the Earth. He enthusiastically called American citizens to action to help stop the devastating destruction of the Earth's land, air, and water. McConnell proposed to all listening ears the idea of a day to celebrate the Earth...an Earth Day. John MConnell can be given credit for the idea of Earth Day; however, it was the political know-how of two other men that put Earth Day into the U.S. and world consciousness.
A Call To National Action
Though John McConnell originated the idea of an Earth Day, it was Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and his partner and friend environmentalist / Harvard student Denis Hayes who can be credited with getting McConnell's Earth Day idea to catch on.
Senator Nelson spent many months promoting a national Earth Day. He spoke in front of both houses of Congress, he chatted up friends and colleagues, and sent letters to state governors, and even the president. Senator Nelson eventually made a phone call to a student at Harvard University.
Harvard student Denis Hayes had ideas about a national Earth Day that aligned with Senator Nelson's ideas. The two men spent many days and weeks talking about how to bring Earth Day to America, and they finally decided to have a teach-in.
When Was the First Earth Day?
The first national Earth day was held on April 22, 1970. Millions of teachers and students from coast to coast participated in the very first Earth Day. The reaction from the American public to Earth Day was a pleasant surprise to Senator Nelson and Denis Hayes. Nelson and Hayes received thousands upon thousands of letters, telegrams, and phone calls regarding the need to continue Earth Day every year.
The American Public Has An Environmental Forum
The American public now had a national forum to discuss the issues that were hurting the environment. Water, land, and air pollution were now topics that politicians and multi-million dollar business owners could not avoid. Before 1970, the United States had almost no laws protecting the environment and the animals that depended on its health. As a result of the first Earth day, laws like the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed by the U.S. Congress (Environmental Policy of the UNited States. 2011, March 14. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_policy_of_the_United_States).
Earth Day Goes Global
Since the very first Earth Day in 1970, the idea of Earth Day has attracted not only more American interest, but also the interests of the rest of the world. In 2010, the worldwide interest in Earth Day was readily apparent when over 170 countries celebrated Earth Day (Jaquette, Leslee. 2010. Celebrate Earth Day's 40th Birthday on April 22, 2010. http://50plusnorthwest.com/?p=414).
Earth Day Activities:
Clean It Up!
At your school, organize a few hours out of the school day for campus clean up. Provide rubber gloves and trash bags to the students and walk the campus. Pick up trash and other items that make your school's campus dirty.
A Can Drive
Aluminum cans are some of the most recycled materials. At your school, have classes compete with each other in aluminum can collecting. Though glass is also recyclable, bringing glass to school might cause issues.
Earth Day Resources
United States EPA Website
The White House Earth Day Guide
Earth Day Printables
If you would like to learn more read Fun Facts About Earth Day for Preschoolers.
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