Earth Matters

Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day. It marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. This planet protection movement was organized by a young activist, Denis Hayes, whom a Wisconsin senator at the time (Gaylord Nelson) inspired. It was first held in 1970 after a massive oil spill event in Santa Barbara in 1969.

During the 70s, extended attention was drawn by Rachel Carson with her book, Silence Spring, and NASA photographs from the “Earthrise” series taken from Apollo 8 in 1968. By the end of 1970, this significant earth protection movement led to the birth of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It also passed the first environmental laws, including the national environmental education act.

In 1990, the earth day movement took on a global scale and hugely influenced the recycling effort worldwide. It also helped to form a 1992 earth summit in Rio de Janeiro.

When entering the new Millennium, the Earth Day movement became more influential and prevailing, intensified environmental protection awareness in local communities, and formed organization such as earthday.org. To this day, Earth day has engaged more than 1 billion people worldwide annually and has laid the cornerstone for all planet protection movements.

After reading Earth day’s fascinating history, it reminded us of a WELL feature:

“There are a variety of ways to increase opportunities for civic engagement and establish a culture of social responsibility.” — WELL C11, Civic Engagement.

On this momentous day, we place this card on our desks. May the WELL standard be our go-to guide and help practice our sustainability beliefs with a well-rounded effort in triple-bottom-line.

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There is no age restriction to become an activist. The younger generation has played a notable role in environmental protection. If you are interested in such topics, check out a webinar hosted by the Center for Green Schools showcased how student-led advocacy could happen in Massachusetts and other innovative climate programs in the schools.

In honor of the mother of the modern environmental activist, Rachel Carson, the Rachel Carson Greenway was developed in 2004. You can now visit Rachel Carson’s house where she wrote Silent Spring and this lush, 25 mile long trail when stopping by Burns Mill at route 29 in the Montgomery County, Maryland.