Tidbits on 'Earth Day'

From Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day…

Happy Earth Day, 22 April 2021

I noticed that our country’s air, water, and soil were getting polluted. Plants and animals were dying. People around the United States were upset about this. They wanted to change things. But our country’s leaders were not listening. They were not making laws to protect the environment.

Finally, in June of 1969, I thought of an idea to get the attention of politicians. The idea was to have a nationwide demonstration. I thought that if enough people got involved, everyone from the president to each city’s mayor would have to take notice.

And it worked. Twenty million Americans came out on Earth Day 1970 and showed they cared. The politicians finally started to listen.

But that was not good enough. The whole world needed to work together. So Earth Day 1990 was held. This time, people around the planet told their government officials that they wanted action to save our planet.

Since then, Earth Day has been celebrated each year in countries all over the world. It has helped inspire people to make a difference and do their part.

Now it’s your chance. In not too many years, you will be the people running the country. What you think and do matters. So learn about nature and respect it.

Live in a way that cares for planet Earth. And keep after everyone from your mayor to the president to make laws that protect the planet. Your actions will make all the difference in the world.

says Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day

Well, Planet Earth is a wonderful place to live! Its land and oceans are home to millions of plants and animals. The air, sunlight, water, and land provide everything needed for healthy life. And the amazing beauty of Earth fills us with awe and appreciation.

But in the 1960s, people were becoming more and more worried about the health of Planet Earth.

What was causing them to worry?

In 1962, a scientist named Rachel Carson wrote a book that shocked people. Silent Spring was about the dangers of some of the pesticides being used on our crops to kill insects. These pesticides were also making animals and people sick.

The first Earth Day led to some important laws being passed by both Republicans and Democrats working together in Congress:  The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Plants provide most of the foods we need for good health. Grains, vegetables, and fruits all come from plants. In some places, there is an abundance of food plants - but not everywhere.

There are many, many hungry people in the world - including in America. But on average, Americans throw away almost half of their food. We are feeding garbage cans and landfills instead of people!

What can we do? We can try to be more responsible about food. First, we can choose foods that are good for us. Second, we can take only as much food as we need. Third, we can eat what we take.

Planet Earth is home to billions of people. And Earth Day is the one holiday we can share with all people, everywhere.  By starting with little things we can do every day, we develop Earth-wise habits.

We can ask our family and friends to help. And we can join school and community efforts to pick up litter, plant trees and gardens, make posters, or hold recycling drives.

Remember: when April 22 rolls around, it’s also fun to plan an Earth Day party. Do something good for the planet. Snack on healthy foods. And don’t forget to wear green!

Although April 22 is the official date for Earth Day, we now know there are many, many ways to be Earth-wise every day.

When everyone joins together to do little things, it adds up to big results!

Now it is our turn to take the lead in being good citizens of Planet Earth. We can practice being Earth-wise every day. 

We can continue to celebrate Earth Day every year.

Texts referenced

Earth Day by Lowеry L.

Let's Celebrate Earth Day by Barbara deRubertis

image: freepikdotcom