Earth Day is celebrated around the world annually every April 22. The day marks the birth of the environmental movement of 1970. As of 2020, it has been celebrated for 50 years. The holiday is celebrated with the intent to make people aware of green living and how to be more eco-friendly.
It began in the 1960s with protests against pollution. It was commonly accepted by Americans because many were oblivious to the environmental concerns of how pollution can threaten human health. Factories pumped pollutants into air and waters with few legal consequences and only a small portion of the American population were familiar with recycling.
Senator Gaylord Carson was one of the few educated on the topic of pollutants and was determined to convince others that the planet was at risk. He started hiring staff and targeting colleges to inform the young adults - for the future of the Earth. It is celebrated on April 22 because it fell between spring break and final exams, so it maximized the greatest student participation rate. By 1970, the public’s awareness of the environment and the links between pollution and public health skyrocketed by transforming public attitudes. On the first Earth Day in 1970, rallies and protests were held in major cities, according to History.com.
While we all are informed about pollution now, more recently we focus on clean energy and climate action. People and organizations all over the world often plant trees, remove trash, protest, and inform. Sometimes it is now celebrated for a full seven days of events for Earth Week. After 50 years, we are seeing that protecting the planet is part of the national political agenda. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!