Earth Day
Earth Day is officially celebrated every 22nd of April the world over. Relevant events may fall on the weekends before April 22. Usually, conservationists consider April as Earth Month.
Originally, Earth Day was an entirely American phenomenon. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970; roughly twenty million Americans participated. From a nationally recognized initiative, Earth Day has grown to become one of the most well-known global campaigns.
Former Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day to compel environmentalism into the nation's agenda. Many modern environmental movements began with Earth Day.
On the first Earth Day, twenty million Americans, coordinated by Denis Hayes, took to the streets. Before the year ended, President Richard Nixon established the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The amendment of the acts on Endangered Species, Clean Air, and Clean Water in the Congress followed. The President then conferred to Senator Nelson the Medal of Freedom for his work for the environment. This is the highest award given to an American civilian.
Twenty years later, Earth Day made a great shift in its paradigm. Organized once again by Denis Hayes, Earth Day expanded into a full-blown worldwide campaign that mobilized as many as 200 million people scattered throughout more than a hundred nations. This Earth Day catalyzed the events leading to the United Nations Earth Summit in 1992, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Earth Day 2000 was even more spectacular. The Internet played an important role in its coordination, uniting scores of people from over 180 countries, including thousands of environmentalist groups.
Involving oneself in the Earth Day celebrations is not an exact science. Making a difference can run the gamut from joining an Earth Day festival to as simple as changing a bad habit.
One of the most recommended activities on Earth days is launching a campaign. It could take the form of lobbying, wherein one advocates for the enactment of an environmentally conscious law. Or it could be as economical as inviting an expert--a mayor, principal or any high-ranking official--to make an Earth Day proclamation. Earth Day is also an ideal time to stage pertinent artistic events.
One could organize an Earth Fair. An Earth Fair is designed to improve environmentalist campaigns at the microcosmic stage. Set in an atmosphere of wholesome revelry, with music and food, the Earth Fair can really make the people come together.
However, it is important for prospective organizers not to forget the meaning of the event. For added clout, organizers may want to seek the support of local environmental entities, businesses, and churches.
One does not have to exert dramatic efforts to celebrate Erath Day. The official organizers of Earth Day always disseminate listings of relevant events happening in one's own neighborhood. If not, local groups may have an event or two. One could just choose to feature inside such existing campaigns.
After all is said and done--especially now that the climate is warming unequivocally--Earth Day should be every day.