Earth Day is observed each year on April 22nd. The event is a celebration of our planet and all the living things that call it home. Even better, Earth Day is the perfect time for gardeners to celebrate, as they prepare for the growing season ahead!
When Did Earth Day Begin?
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, more than 50 years ago. It was first proposed by peace activist John McConnell, and found support with Secretary General U Thant and United States Senator Gaylord Nelson. Denis Hayes, an activist later known as “Mr. Earth Day,” was appointed coordinator of the first Earth Day, and is largely responsible for its growth and global expansion.
Key environmental events leading up to the creation of Earth Day were numerous, and included:
- 1969: Santa Barbara oil spill
- 1969: Cuyahoga River caught on fire
- 1968: Earthrise NASA photograph
- 1962: publication of Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson
There was a growing awareness of environmental issues at this time, and an increasing discussion of how best to honor and commemorate the Earth. Copywriter Julian Koenig would ultimately be the one to propose the name “Earth Day,” which caught on quickly following a full-page ad in The Sunday New York Times opinion section.
Global Growth
While its roots are firmly planted in the United States, Earth Day has grown into a global celebration with more than 193 countries taking part. In 1990, “Mr. Earth Day” himself, Dennis Hayes, took advantage of the increased access to television, radio, and the internet to catapult the day to 200 million people across 141 countries. The campaign even commissioned a song to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, “Tomorrow’s World.”
Earth Day has steadily grown throughout the decades, as more countries and individuals have decided to take part. Themes have focused on cleaning up pollution, protecting threatened species, recycling, conserving energy, improving water quality, and much more. Climate and environmental education have remained a core focus of Earth Day. It is now the most celebrated secular observance in the world, with more than 1 billion people taking part in some way.
How Can I Take Part?
There are numerous ways to take part in Earth Day! There are several events taking place across the globe; visit EarthDay.org for more information.
If you’re a gardener and would like to celebrate in your own backyard, however, here are just a few suggestions!
Learn to compost
Composting is an easy way to recycle your food scraps and produces a wonderful soil amendment for your gardens and landscapes. Why not take the chance to learn how to compost? Or if you already have compost bins, take the day to reassess your setup and consider any possible improvements.
Get planting
It’s spring! Why not plant a tree or pop in a few flowers to get the season rolling? Native species are increasingly available at local nurseries. These plants are adapted to local growing conditions, support pollinator habitat, and can look amazing in a landscape too. Check out what options might be the perfect fit for your garden!
Spring cleaning
The snow has melted, the sun is shining… the last thing you want to stare at is a pile of trash! Grab a wheelbarrow and start cleaning up any debris that’s blown into your yard over winter. Or maybe it’s time to clean out the gardening shed? Reuse or recycle what you can!
However you decide to take part in this global celebration, let’s remind ourselves of the importance our environment plays in our everyday lives. May you all have a wonderful Earth Day!
By Brittany Jenks, The Daily Dirt
