By Brayden Manning
April 22, 2021
Earth Day on April 22 is globally celebrated in communities all around the world. Every year communities come together to help preserve and celebrate the planet. Celebrating Earth Day reminds people how fragile this planet is and helps promote a cleaner environment.
Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970, is approaching its 51-year anniversary. Back in 1970, Americans were concerned with the amount of gas used for massive vehicles with no significant purpose. Up until this point, Americans were excited to smell pollution in the air because it meant prosperity and the means that they are getting work done.
In 1969, Americans witnessed a massive oil spill in California, and Senator Gaylord Nelson had enough. Nelson recruited republican conservationist Pete McCloskey to be his co-chair. Nelson and McCloskey formed a group of 85 people across the country to promote events. Once the name got changed to Earth Day, it immediately sparked the media’s attention.
20 million people came from all over the world to participate in the very first Earth Day. Children and adults grouped together and protested in support of legislation to protect the earth. People that wanted to call attention to oil spills, toxic dumps, extinction of wildlife, and loss of wilderness came to support. 50 years later, around a billion people engage in Earth Day festivities.
How can you celebrate? At home, recycling is something that always helps. Recycling is great for the environment and goes a long way. Some other ways to help include picking up trash around your neighborhood, planting a tree or two in your yard, or not leaving the water running while brushing your teeth all help tremendously. Also, there are also many groups you can join that help clean up parks or help endangered animals. It’s as simple as picking up a piece of trash. If you would like more information on how to get involved, visit https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-tips/.
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