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Politics & Government

Earth Day: A Retrospective

We take a look at how Earth Day became the global celebration of the environment. What's your resolution?

Earth Day is the largest international environmental event in the world, and its roots are nothing short of serendipitous: 41 years ago, former U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin designated April 22 as a monumental day for our planet.

When Sen. Nelson decided that the was just not receiving the attention that it needed and deserved, he proposed a bill that designated April 22 as a national day to celebrate the Earth. The Wisconsin native created what he called an environmental “teach-in.” The observance was to be held nationwide.

The response was unexpected: More than 20 million people joined in that day, helping galvanize a movement that continues to grow. 

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“The environmental issue simply was not to be found on the nation's agenda. The people were concerned, but the politicians were not,” Sen. Nelson told American Heritage Magazine in 1993.

“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 and local communities that participated. That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself,” he added. 

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Within that same year, the Clean Air Act and the Water Act were passed, and the Environmental Protection Agency was created by President Richard Nixon. 

The day that was designed to foster appreciation of our little blue planet now helps millions of concerned people spread the word about awareness of the issues that warn the planet of environmental dangers.

Since 1970, each year, events around the globe teach us how to change our wasteful ways and join the campaign to save the Earth and become more eco-friendly.

Earth Day is currently observed in 175 countries.

In Montrose and La Crescenta, locals are eager to do their part, whether it's by converting to hybrid cars or cloth .

“I have a newborn at home, and we are dedicated to using cloth diapers,” said Tara Enis at the town center with her dog, Fargo.

“So far, it seems to be working very well. It takes more effort, but in the end it can make a difference [for the planet].” 

And when it comes to minimizing pollution, Melinda Lewis feels it is her personal responsibility to fend of air pollution and create cleaner air.

“I have a Prius. I know Prius’ are very popular,” admitted Lewis, “but my reason for buying a hybrid was really based on its environmental factor. I think if we all use less gas, we can all make an impact on the future and the future of our children.”

This year on Earth Day, many other residents are committing to eating green, using less electricity and water and recycling in order to save their planet.  Whether we chose to leave our carbon footprint on the Earth or strive to leave the world a better place, Earth Day is here to stay and throughout time has become a globally anticipated event where the entire can do their part. 

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