There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day, and it's important to know the history of Earth Day, and educate those around you as well. Earth Day, April 22, marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement's birth in 1970. Environmental awareness wasn't in the minds of the public at large at that point, and Earth Day was designed to alter public awareness.
The day's founder, Sen. Gaylord Nelson, D-Wis., said the idea of Earth Day evolved over a period of seven years, starting in 1962. After years spent troubled by the state of the environment, Nelson launched the initiative.
On April 22, 1970, more than 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks and auditoriums for a peaceful demonstration for a healthy, sustainable environment. Many colleges and universities also participated and organized protests against the deterioration of the environment, oil spills, polluting factories, power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, the loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife.
From its beginning, Earth Day has proved to be a popular concept across the United States and around the world. Approximately 175 countries now recognize some form of Earth Day, making it one of the largest secular holidays. In 1990, Earth Day celebrations gave a huge boost toward encouraging recycling efforts and helped prepare for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro.
Today, Earth Day information movements also encompass clean energy solutions as well as examining climate change due to global warming. As in the U.S., Earth Day information and events in other countries also strive to encourage citizens to take action on improving environmental issues and raising awareness of recent policy on ecology.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Earth Day is to plant a tree, since Earth Day is roughly around the same time as Arbor Day. Trees help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and release oxygen into the air. Many communities hold rallies or other community gatherings, often with inspirational speakers. Many children celebrate Earth Day at school by making nature crafts, such as a birdhouse or a bird feeder.
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 | Teaching children about the environment is possible by organizing Earth Day activities for kids. Educational and fun Earth Day celebrations are the first step in creating a generation that is compassionate and concerned about the planet. By helping children participate in Earth Day celebrations, no matter how big or small, they can help spread the word that the stewardship of the planet is a job for everyone. |
Learn where this silly holiday originated with a brief history of April Fools' Day. Whether you are the prankster or the gullible one who falls for a gag, you are sure to be one of millions who are part of some kind of April Fools' Day prank on this lighthearted holiday. |
Why is Arbor Day so important? While Julius Sterling Morton (1832-1902) served as the Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland, his most important legacy is the creation of Arbor Day. Today, all 50 US states and many countries around the world formally recognize the holiday, which highlights the value of trees in communities and the importance of planting them. |
For centuries, April Fools' Day has been a time to play harmless pranks for April Fools' Day on friends and family members. Whether you choose to do a subtle prank or go all out, there are many gullible people out there that will fall for any number of tricks, but just make sure to watch your own back. |
