By Kelly Smith, May 2010
Staff Writer
           

Photo courtesy of AP

Giant air globe floating across a crowd of people.

The year is 1970. Factories all across the U.S. spew the white smoke of “progress” and few complain; after all, these factories are signs of “success.” Recycling is only done by die-hard activists. The “hippies” were among the few who desired more conservation of the Earth yet hardly anyone in the typical American household cared. That is, until Senator Gaylord Nelson and a few brave souls who saw the negative environmental impact of modern society led the way along with several students from colleges and universities to rally people across the U.S. to protest against the deterioration of the environment.

It was through these efforts that the first Earth Day was created on April 22, 1970. On that day, over 20 million people across the U.S. rallied for a healthier environmental future. “Environmental activism” was no longer a progressive idea among only hippies and radicals; it had suddenly become an obligation for every American citizen to do their part to ensure a sustainable future.

Nelson inspired countless people across the nation to do their part in recycling, conserving and being more respectful towards the environment. As all walks of life across the social strata in the U.S. became aware of the need for environmental activism, the government took note and the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency led to the C lean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act that are respected to this day.

Every 10 years since Earth Day 1990, a new initiative and message is sent around the world for a more sustainable future through the efforts of Earth Day c elebrations and rallies. In 1990, Earth Day went global for the first time and was recognized by over 200 million people in 141 countries, making Earth Day one of the most widely recognized yearly events in the world. It was through this effort that other countries now have environmental education programs and practice recycling.

In 2000, another initiative was spurred on to focus on global warming and clean energy. Due to the Internet, the 2000 Earth Day caused massive ripple effects across the globe inspiring other nations to create their own initiatives. This has mobilized more people than ever to join rallies, create their own protests and create celebrations.