What is Earth Day?

Earth Month – Day 11

How did Earth Day start in history, why and how?

Here’s the history of a day dedicated to planet Earth that’s celebrated every year on April 22.

Beginning

It all began around 1970 with Wisconsin’s Sen. Gaylord Nelson and his staff. They started it as a campaign to educate national media about the environment.

Others, credit the birth of Earth Day to John McConnell, a San Francisco peace activist who presented a similar concept at the UNESCO conference in 1969.

Then what?

It quickly evolved into a bigger cause and became part of a larger movement to promote sustainable living, ecological consciousness and social responsibility.

How many countries celebrate Earth Day?

Earth Day went global in 1990. More than 190 countries participate in Earth Day each year.

How can I contribute?

Awareness and action happen on individual levels too. Some commit to a cultural change, like composting at home, and others gather the community for a closet giveaway. You can help in so many ways by being part of what is happening in your community and try to lend a hand.