With Earth Day, sometimes it feels like we don’t know where to start. Between global-scaled climate change and small actions like littering, environmental conservation might look further away. In 1970, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson echoed these frustrations.
In January 1969, America experienced one of the worst oil spills in the nation’s history. Beaches turned black, ducks and other aquatic animals were covered in crude coats of oil (if they survived), and citizens began to recognize the detrimental condition of the environment around them.
Around that time, Americans were participating in anti-Vietnam War efforts by hosting teach-ins, among other demonstrations. The momentum behind the cause caught the eye of one U.S. Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson.
What followed was the beginning of an international movement. Nelson, inspired by the teach-ins, rallied Americans together on April 22, 1970, in pursuit of environmental activism. The protest saw a turnout of 20 million people nationwide, making it the largest secular protest in the entire world.
Since then, Earth Day has been a bipartisan movement, advocating for the Earth’s safety. In December 1970, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established. The activism that sprouted after Earth Day caused the passage of landmark laws like the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act.
In recent years, Earth Day looks a little different. While there aren’t massive rallies on White House lawns, Americans have dedicated the day to local, grassroots efforts. The Lincoln Park Conservancy is proudly one of these efforts. By conserving our local parks, leading volunteer initiatives, and cleaning the environment, the Lincoln Park Conservancy proactively serves the wider community.
The most essential factor that goes into celebrating Earth Day is caring for the environment. There are plenty of ways to take care of the environment from your own backyard! For example, one effective method is to plant native plants. Oftentimes, these can bring natural pollinators to your garden. This past Saturday, we had an amazing group of volunteers helping plant native plants in our Sunshine Playscape!
Another way is to reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle. In 2019, plastics generated 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing, reusing, repairing, and recycling old products, the amount of global waste decreases, and resources are properly used. Learn more about taking action here.
This Earth Day, take a walk to the park and relax your soul. Unplugging from technology and sitting between nature can calm your nervous system. The Earth has plenty of resources to provide us with comfortable lives, but only if we use them gently and responsibly. It’s important to keep in mind that nobody has the right over the Earth–we all need it to survive, so we must aid each other in taking care of our world.
Hug some trees today! Happy Earth Day!
