Earth Day is celebrated on 22nd April every year. Want to know the importance of Earth Day? That is the largest secular observance recorded up till now. Secular observances are observances set by a major organization or government. It is set to mark a public health or ethical cause of importance on a national or international level. They are also known as national or international awareness days.
Several agencies and governments organize special events to spread awareness among the masses. Awareness could be about climate change and global warming. The day inspires us to act towards the protection of the environment. And focus on the need for conservation.
Earth day began as a preservation day in the U.S. Fortunately, it has become the largest attempt to keep a clean environment around the world. Moreover, it is proof that one person can have a global impact in a positive way.
History of the Earth Day:
The background of Earth Day is from Old Times. Back then U.S. was experiencing both political and economic ups and downs. Unfortunately, the country was divided over the participation of the U.S. in the Vietnam War. It all happened during the 1970s. The economy was on the flow. Consequently, it was impacting the environment in a big way.
Many things were causing harm to the natural environment. Americans were driving large cars that ran on leaded gasoline. Also, factories, chemical plants, oil industries were booming. And in that way production of air pollution and environmental waste was increasing.
Not like today, the health of the planet was not a high priority. Most people primarily didn’t care about a clean atmosphere. This is because they were unaware of the dangerous side effects of everyday activities they were doing.
Only limited groups of individuals were concerned about the planet. However, they were aware of the alarming situation of the world around them. So, they began to take steps to inform the public.
In 1962 author Rachel Carson published her book ‘Silent Spring’. The book painted the picture for the environmental decline. It was an attempt to raise awareness about saving the planet. Just a year before, the nation watched as the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught on fire
There was a devastating oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment. Especially in the marine ecosystem, due to human activity. Moreover, it is a form of pollution. This all happened in 1969. That was the final push Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson needed. As a result, he launched his campaign for safer industrial practices.
Before the 1970s, air, water, and land pollution were normal. Some of the awareness about environmental issues came after that. As “Silent Spring” was launched, people became a little bit aware. It outlines some of the effects of pesticides such as DDT.
Earth Day originally began as an idea for teaching at colleges and universities. The purpose was to educate people about the environmental impacts of many of our practices. They learned lessons from the Vietnam war. And then they tried to bring up solutions for the problems.
First Earth Day:
Senator Gaylord introduced his idea for a ‘national teach-in on the environment’ in 1970. Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey was chosen to serve as his co-chair. Also, Denis Hayes of Harvard University was selected to serve as national coordinator. The team hired 85 individuals. These individuals were supposed to promote the Earth Day movement across the country.
On April 22, 1970, the United States celebrated the first Earth Day. Many people came out of their houses. Approximately, 20 million people around the U.S. gathered together. They were holding rallies, demonstrations, and participating in activities to promote a clean and safe living environment.
Children, adults, students, young, and old walked to government institutions. Their aimed to force new legislation to protect the Earth on local, state, and national levels.
Fortunately, Earth Day 1970 saw unexpected unity among Republicans and Democrats. Also, among individuals of all social and economic backgrounds. Thanks to the efforts of the first Earth Day. The United States Environmental Protection Agency was founded that day. It was the beginning of important changes to improve the environment.
Impact of the First Earth Day:
Many people started to believe that Earth Day is one of the important days. Almost 25% of Americans got to know about the importance of Earth Day.
Following this first Earth Day. Many environmental policies were introduced. All these policies are aimed at improving the environment around us. Some of the movements are:
- The Clean Air Act
- The Water Quality Improvement Act
- The Endangered Species Act
- The Toxic Substances Control Act
- The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
Moreover, an Environmental Protection Agency was also established after the First Earth Day marches. That day is still making an impact in our lives today.
Why is Earth Day Important?
Since its birth in 1970, Earth Day continues to grow as a worldwide phenomenon focused. The main aim has always been promoting clean lifestyles. And a healthy, sustainable living place for people. This is as well important for wildlife animals.
Celebrating Earth Day serves as a conscious reminder. It reminds us of how sensitive our planet is. Also, it emphasizes the importance of protecting our planet. All credit goes to Senator Nelson for taking a stand in the 1970s. Otherwise, we may still be producing lead-producing automobiles. And expanding industrial production via smog, smoke, and waste. We celebrate Earth Day to continue promoting environmental awareness. Also, it is to remind us that we can protect the earth in our everyday lives as well.
Earth Day allows for a day of education about environmental issues. It helps us highlight problems affecting our planet every year. Instructions and documentaries on Earth Day also help to signal to our seniors in government. We can show them how important action on environmental issues is to us. And how their decisions about a safe environment impact our lives.
This Day allows us a day each year to reflect the importance of the planet. Also, to remember the significance of the health of the planet. Moreover, it gives us a chance to think about what we can all do to help ensure that health. It has influenced major national policy in the past. Hopefully, it will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.
We can say that it is extremely important to celebrate Earth day each year. Because it recognizes the harm humans are capable of causing to the atmosphere. The day is remarked by people showing massive amounts of support across the globe. They protest for protecting the Earth and the environment. This is especially concerning the climate crisis. So, to enact real change, our governments must be aware of the desire of their constituents to have environmental issues be at the forefront of policy.
How We Can Contribute:
Most of us know that the world is facing many serious environmental issues. But only some of us know what needs to be done to take part. We need to do something in stopping this global issue. If each one of us understands and takes responsibility for saving Mother Earth. It is a possible change.
Few things that we can take up as initiatives on Earth Day can help in meeting the big cause. To recycle things that can be reused by doing so and tells other by sharing on social media. For example, recycling paper instead of wasting it can save many mature trees.
Avoid throwing plastic in every place. Use bins to throw your wastes. Trillions of plastics are dumping the oceans of Earth. It is evident that if we act wisely before wasting any resource, the damage we contribute to the planet will reduce considerably.
Creating awareness to ignorant people is yet another way to save Earth. Similarly, we will be able to save Earth’s resources from endangering. Spread initiatives and live an example so that others will follow it. There is nothing as good as contributing to Earth Day as helping to fix the environment.
Moreover, we can teach our children to contribute to it. Teach them about recycling. Make them plant trees. Also, tell them not to throw waste here and there.
Conclusion:
World Earth Day is a big initiative to bring to light the current scenario of the planet. Though we think Earth is a safe place to live in. The reality is rather bitter. Life on Earth depends on the balance we maintain to preserve sustainability. Taking this into thought, each year on April 22nd is celebrated as Earth Day. This day is to educate and alert people about the urge to save our planet. We should learn to recycle used resources than to dig them again for some other purpose. Also, we should make combine efforts to make World a better place to live in.
clean the environment is our motive
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