Earth Day Reminds Us to Be Good Stewards

Today is Earth Day. How are you spending it?

Whether you vow to use less electricity or less water, step up your home recycling program, start a compost pile, pledge to stop using plastic bags, plant a tree, or install a few fluorescent light bulbs, every little bit helps. And hopefully you’ll have a chance to get outside at some point today and spend at least a moment appreciating what it is we’re celebrating… all the wonders of Earth.

The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970, and was organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson as a day of environmental recognition and awareness. From its stunning landscapes to the intricate workings of each individual species that occupies it, our planet is a complex ecosystem that inspires wonder and awe in all who explore its mysteries. Earth Day is here to remind us not to squander it.

Here’s a clip from the original news article in the New York Times announcing the first Earth Day:

“Rising concern about the environmental crisis is sweeping the nation’s campuses with an intensity that may be on its way to eclipsing student discontent over the war in Vietnam…a national day of observance of environmental problems…is being planned for next spring…when a nationwide environmental ‘teach-in’…coordinated from the office of Senator Gaylord Nelson is planned….”

The first Earth Day was 20 million people strong.

Senator Nelson said, “Earth Day worked because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level. We had neither the time nor resources to organize 20 million demonstrators and the thousands of schools and local communities that participated. That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.”

Let’s keep that number growing. For a list of events in your area, check your local paper or EnviroLink for featured events.