Earth Day...what a fantastic day to think about all the wonderful things the Earth provides for us, and what a great day to become more aware about the issues that hurt the Earth.
Who Created Earth Day?
The creation of Earth Day is generally given credit to three men; environmentalist John McConnell, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, and Harvard student/environmentalist Denis Hayes.
Why Was Earth Day Created ?
Everyday more and more pollutants were poured into our water, air, and onto our land. Lakes, rivers, and coastal shores were becoming dangerous and harmful. In the late 1960's, McConnell, Senator Nelson, and Hayes grew tired that the state of our environment was simply not important to senators, state representatives, the heads of multi-million / billion dollar companies, and even the President of the United Staes.
McConnell's Speaks Out
In 1969 McConnell gave a speech at a national environmental conference promoting the idea of a day to celebrate the earth, an "Earth Day". McConnell is given credit for the idea of "Earth Day".
A Call To National Action
Senator Nelson and Denis Hayes got the Earth Day idea to catch on. On April 22, 1970 the two men organized an earth day teach-in. Millions of people all over the United States participated in the very first Earth Day.
As A Result of the First Earth Day
Since the celebration on the very first Earth Day over forty-years age years ago, the overall condition and health of the Earth's environment has become a major part of the debate in Congress, elections, and the national consciousness.
Environmental Laws Are Passed
Before 1970, the United States for all intents and purposes had almost no laws to protect against bad environmental business practices. Pollutants poured into the environment. After 1970, laws like the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed by the Congress.
Earth Day Goes Global
In 2010, over 170 countries participated in the celebration of Earth Day.
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