The importance of Earth Day

Earth day began during a time when the U.S. was experiencing both political and economic ups and downs. During the 1970s the country was divided over the participation of the U.S. in the Vietnam War. The economy was on the move, but it was costing the environment in a big way. Americans were driving large cars that ran on leaded gasoline. 

Factories, chemical plants and oil industries were booming but so was the production of air pollution and environmental waste. 

The health of the planet was not a high priority for most people. 

Small groups of individuals were aware of the world starting to deteriorate around them and began to take steps to inform the public. In 1962 author Rachel Carson published her book ‘Silent Spring,’ which painted the picture for the environmental decline and raised awareness about preserving the planet.

The devastating oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 was the final push Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson needed to launch his campaign for safer industrial practices.

The purpose of Earth Day is to show support for environmental protection and give a voice to public consciousness about the state of our planet after decades of uncontrolled pollution. 

Celebrating Earth Day serves as a reminder of how fragile our planet is and how important it is to protect it. If it weren’t for Senator Nelson taking a stand in the 1970s, we may have still been  producing lead guzzling automobiles and expanding industrial production via smog, smoke, and waste. 

We celebrate Earth Day to continue promoting environmental awareness. 

Even though taking care of the earth is a much bigger task than just you and me there are still ways for us to celebrate Earth Day right at home. 

Plant a tree – Trees produce oxygen and that’s something both humans and wildlife need to survive. However, hundreds of thousands of trees are cut down every year in order to make room for new homes, shopping centers and other building projects.

Picking up trash – Take a trip to a park near your house and help keep it clean. Keeping a park clean is great for the environment and it makes the mark more enjoyable. 

Recycling: This is an easy task that can be done right at home by making sure things like paper, plastic and aluminum are put in a recycling bin instead of a garbage can.