by Kathleen Lynn

Created on: April 13, 2009

Earth Day evolved from a Grassroots protest being organized in 1970. Former Senator Gaylord Nelson was the one who had been brining environmental issues to focus with political parties. Even with JFK backing and speaking up on the environment, Senator Nelson didn't see enough enthusiasm or change happening. So the idea of the Grassroots protest was born.
The purpose of the demonstration was to bring new awareness to the harm being caused to the environment. It immediately gained national attention with college students, journalists, and others. Before the first official Earth Day was in place, there was an overwhelming response to the day. Americans were concerned about the risks to rivers, lakes, and other environmental factors.

From a senator who began the organization to the reporter at the New York Times who informed Americans of the day, the first Earth Day spread quickly. Soon there had to be a separate headquarters to field all of those interested in participating. The first Earth Day celebration in 1970 drew a crowd of over twenty million participants!
Earth Day continues to evolve each year with more people participating and learning about ways we can help the environment. In recent times the terms eco friendly and go green have been adopted. During Earth Day events and exhibits are offered in almost every major city showcasing ways that we can keep our environment more friendly and stop pollution.
In 1992 there were more than 200 million participants world wide in Earth Day. In addition, more ideas began such as the United Nations Earth Summit. Recycling came into focus and more Americans began to recycle their products.
Earth Day 2007 was one of the largest Earth Day celebrations ever. Over a billion people in several countries participated. There were events for Earth Day 2007 around the world. Events in Ukraine, London, Spain, Phillipines, and the US.
The focus on Earth Day in the last few y ears has shifted to include global warming and educating citizens about negative environmental trends such as these. It also gives people education and tools to help stop the abuse upon the environment. With encouragement to recycle, buy more earth friendly products, and talk about energy waste. Many of the activities involving Earth Day are kid friendly.
There are displays and educational materials for both children and adults. Children will love participating and learning new ways to make the earth healthier for future generations. John McConnell was the one to first suggest the Earth Day holiday, and the San Francisco mayor was the first city to adopt the suggestion.
The timing of Earth Day was selected with college students in mind. April 22nd would not fall during exams or spring break. Getting student support was vital to the success of the idea. The fact that the first celebration fell on Lenin's birthday was completely incidental.

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