“The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.” ~ Lady Bird Johnson
During Earth Day on April 22, 1970, an estimated twenty million people nationwide attended inaugural events at tens of thousands of sites including elementary and secondary schools, universities, and community sites across the United States. Senator Gaylord Nelson promoted Earth Day, calling upon students to fight for environmental causes and oppose environmental degradation with the same energy that they displayed in opposing the Vietnam War. By the twentieth anniversary of the first event, more than two hundred million people in 141 countries had participated in Earth Day celebrations. The celebrations continue to grow.
In 2024, Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and act for a healthier planet and brighter future. This year EARTHDAY.ORG is focusing on changing human attitudes about and behavior toward plastics and reducing plastic pollution as part of unwavering in its commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040. Everyone can help by avoiding single use plastics. Use a reusable water bottle, store leftovers in a jar instead of plastic bag, bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store rather than use plastic. If you want to learn more about Earth Day, recycling, or other ways you can help the planet, ask at your library. The materials are reusable and free with your library card.
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together … all things connect.” ~ Chief Seattle