It’s hard to believe that prior to the year 1970, our planet was in even greater danger than it is today. Long before the term “go green” became a trending topic on Twitter, and sustainable business practices functioned as both an important initiative and a corporate marketing tool, many Americans just didn’t seem to care about the environment. Leading up to the first “Earth Day” on April 22, 1970, levels of pollution in the United States were at an all-time high. American progress, in the form of carbon monoxide emitting cars, pesticide-laden food, and large landfills, overshadowed the damage that was being done to Mother Nature.
Though some members of the public had already begun to take notice due to the work of activists like Rachel Carson, author of the famed book “Silent Spring,” it wasn’t until the first Earth Day event was announced that people began to band together in support of a healthier world.
Two main individuals are often cited as the founders of Earth Day, former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, and organizer Denis Hayes. It was Nelson who originally proposed that students, leaders, and scientists come together for a day of national “teach-ins” about the environment. His leverage as a politician boosted the idea in the press, and a movement began. He selected then-Harvard law student Denis Hayes to coordinate events and demonstrations across the country. According to the official “Earth Day Network” website, Hayes assembled a staff of 85 individuals nationwide to execute the plan. It prompted 20 million Americans to act, including President Richard Nixon and members of Congress, who officially established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 2, 1970.
This year marks the 46th anniversary of Earth Day, and a plan is already in motion to achieve five major goals by the year 2020. One of those goals, and the theme of this year’s Earth Day, is to plant 7.8 billion new trees, one for every person on Earth, over the course of the next four years. These trees will reduce carbon dioxide emissions; counteract the loss of animal species due to damaged habitats, and improve the mental and physical health of everyday Americans, according to promoters.
As part of the strategy, Americans are encouraged to register their individual events with the Earth Day Network organization, so that participants can locate them, and keep track of their progress. The following are a few local ways that you can take action:
Environmental activists will be the first to remind you that one small change can make a world of difference —literally— when it comes to saving our planet. This cleanup, supported by the offices of the Howard County government, urges residents to organize hyper local trash and recycling collection events. Within a timeframe of 20 minutes, groups are asked to gather litter in their neighborhoods, and report back with the number of trash bags disposed of. More than 1,550 people partook in the cleanup last year.
Howard County Conservancy Day of Service
The Howard County Conservancy (10520 Old Frederick Road) in Woodstock is hosting its annual day of service on the Saturday following Earth Day (April 23). From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., visitors can assist with the official Earth Day goal of tree planting by placing saplings in and around stream buffers, and removing invasive plants. The Howard County Master Gardeners will also be selling plants, so you can continue the mission in your own backyard.
We may not live directly next to it, but the Chesapeake Bay has a great impact on the quality of life of all Marylanders. This Earth Day, consider traveling a little further out of your neighborhood to participate in a shoreline cleanup sponsored by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). Also taking place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., this cleanup will help rid our beloved watershed of the debris that pollutes our ecosystem. Volunteers must be 13 years of age or older, and the event will take place at MDTA Police Headquarters (4330 Broening Highway) in Baltimore.
For more information on green events in your area, visit our events page at HerMindMagazine.com.
