Earth Day, celebrated each year on April 22nd, marks the beginning of the environmental movement and the goal to improve our planet. Prior to the first celebrated Earth Day, Americans had little concern for the consequences of their industrial pollution and how it would affect both them and the planet. There were no laws protecting our environment, and there were no repercussions for factories spewing toxic gas into the air or dumping waste into waterways. The publication of Rachel Carson’s bestselling book Silent Spring was an eye-opener for people across the world, selling over 500,000 copies in 24 countries. It raised awareness of pollution and public health and brought concern for living organisms and the environment.

Earth Day was officially established in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. He had long been concerned about the country’s deteriorating environment, and following a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, decided to take action. He recruited young activist Denis Hayes, and together they organized a national demonstration consisting of teach-ins at college campuses, to educate the public about environmental health.

April 22nd was chosen as the day of celebration, and the later established name “Earth Day” received national media attention. Recognizing its potential, Hayes built a national staff of 85 to promote Earth Day, and the efforts quickly broadened to include a range of organizations across the country. Earth Day inspired millions of Americans to take action against the impacts of human-created pollution. By the end of the year, Congress established the United States Environmental Protection Agency in order to tackle environmental issues in the country, and a number of environmental laws such as the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act were passed. More laws were passed in the years following, including the Clean Water Act. By 1990, Earth Day was celebrated by over 140 countries across the globe, and today it continues to be the largest secular day of protest in the world, uniting people in the cause for a sustainable future for our planet. 

There are many ways to get involved in the environmental movement. Recycling, using reusable items, making conscientious consumer decisions, planting trees, turning off lights, limiting water use, and taking the time to pick up trash when you see it are all ways to make an impact. The more people that get involved with helping the environment, the closer we can get to a much cleaner and healthier planet.