Guide to Earth Day

Earth Day was first announced in Seattle, WA, at a news conference in the fall of 1969. Senator Gaylord Nelson made the announcement, urging Americans across the country to get involved in the Earth Day effort. His announcement came at the right time, with people across the country pledging their support by phone, telegraph and via the United States Postal Service.

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, with rallies in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Chicago. The event was felt to be so important that Congress went into recess so members of Congress could meet with constituents about pollution, conservation and what Americans could do to protect the Earth.

The first Earth Day made such an impact that a poll taken more than one year later showed that 25 percent of people in the U.S. felt that protecting the environment to be an important goal--a 2,500 percent increase over 1969.

Because of Earth Day, the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Toxic Substance Control Act, Water Quality Improvement Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act were all passed during the 1970’s. The Environmental Protection Agency was formed in December 1970 and given the responsibility of protecting land, water and air.

From its beginnings in 1970, Earth Day commemorations and celebrations have grown, to the point that 174 countries and more than 17,000 partners collaborate with the Earth Day Network. Learn more about Earth Day by reading our Bright Hub articles.

Snowy Mountainscape Credit dan: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=587