The beginning foundations of what is celebrated as Earth Day, began in 1969. Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator, spearheaded the Earth Day movement. His desire was to harness the same type of energy that was going into Vietnam anti-war protests, and redirect it in a positive manner, towards protecting the environment.

A quote from Nelson regarding Earth Day:

“Earth Day achieved what I had hoped for. The objective was to get a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political arena. It was a gamble, but it worked. An estimated 20 million people participated in peaceful demonstrations all across the country. Ten thousand grade schools and high schools, two thousand colleges, and one thousand communities were involved …. That was the remarkable thing that became Earth Day.”

So, almost 40 years since Earth Day’s inception, people are really just starting to wrap their minds around the concept that taking care of the planet is our responsibility. What are you doing and what else can you do, to make an even bigger impact? Earth 911’s website has some great suggestions and fun ways to incorporate new habits that will positively benefit our beautiful planet.

We’ve only got one Earth, it’s up to us, to take care of it.