In 1970, when a Wisconsin Senator proposed a national protest on behalf of the environment, its implications were far-reaching, both across the globe and for future generations.
Now in 2009, Earth Day forges ahead, focusing the worldwide spotlight on the planet’s fragile condition. Now more than ever, Earth Day 2009 serves as a reminder to political leaders that our world needs to abandon its gas-guzzling, air polluting, and atomic testing ways.
Senator Gaylord Nelson realized that the automobiles, toxic dumping, wildlife decline and industries of 1970 would lead to the permanent disfigurement of the environment. Nelson, and original National Coordinator of Earth Day Denis Hayes, organized rallies across the country and brought together protest groups of all ecological issues to create once concerned voice.
Over 20 million people from all walks of life participated in the first Earth Day events, and ensuring that the event was a complete success.
That first Earth Day led to the creation of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the passing of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts. It has since spread across the oceans to over 180 countries and over 5,000 environmental groups, not to mention colleges and universities all over the world.
In fact, there’s probably something happening at your school this very instant (and you were just going to sit around and study today, for shame).
Here’s what colleges are doing for Earth Day 2009:
NYU has established their own “Earth Week”, where activities range from hip-hop concerts, walking tours, street fairs and discussions with environmentalists.
USC has their own week, featuring workshops on solar panels and vegetable gardening, campus-wide conferences, and Earth Week merchandise give-aways. (Like USC needs any more merchandise.)
Connecticut College one-ups them both with “Celebration Earth: 2009,” a month-long series of events dedicated to the long-term sustainability of the planet’s ecosystem.
It includes Earth-conscious dinners, a “Water Scarcity and Conflict” discussion that examines the connection of world conflict and water, and a “Green Career Fair” where students can learn about “green” jobs, careers, and graduate programs. It should come as no surprise that they’re a liberal arts college.
Colleges aren’t the only organizations getting in on the steamy Earth Day action.
Local businesses located around Harvard University are kick-starting their own green initiatives. One hotel is offering a complimentary bike program as well as parking discounts to compact cars while Green Restaurant Association member Upstairs on the Square started serving in-house filtered water to its patrons instead of bottled water.
If you missed it last Sunday, the National Mall in Washington D.C. featured speakers Chevy Chase, (!?) Edward Norton, Earth Day Network President Kathleen Rogers, American Idol’s Blake Lewis (He sang too, what a surprise) and so many others.
The event may have ended early due to heavy rain, but Earth Day never has to stop.
Our take:
You can contribute to the globe’s continued survival by making every day Earth Day. Use energy efficient light-bulbs and appliances, reusable canvas shopping bags, or you could even plant a tree. (Directions: Plant tree, wait 100 years for results.) Check your college’s web site or newsletter for Earth Day events and activities going on now, or create your own event through the Earth Day Network!
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