Celebrating Earth Day 2023
In the fall of 1969, Senator Gaylor Nelson from Wisconsin announced a concept to combat the sudden concern for pollution in the U.S. and across the world. There was an underground swelling to make it known the earth was in trouble. Following its acceptance in 1970, Earth Day was originally a focus in the U.S, but it has grown into a Global Day to show appreciation for practices to protect our environment. This year, Earth Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22nd.
The first Earth Day was effective at raising awareness about environmental issues and transforming public attitudes. Earth Day kicked off the decade with a bang as several environmental issues were addressed. During the 1970s, a number of important pieces of environmental legislation were passed including the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act and the Endangered Species Act. Another key development was the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, which was tasked with protecting human health and safeguarding the natural environment.
Every year Earth Day has a new theme. The theme for 2023 is Invest in Our Planet.
By “Investing in our Planet” we are dedicating our time, resources and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues.
Typical stand of pine trees in northern Minnesota.
Earth Day Facts
Started in 1970 in the U.S. only
Is now celebrated in 192 countries
Every year has a new theme
It was originally scheduled for April 22nd so college students were available to protest and march
The grace and beauty of a Scotch pine in Minnesota.
Possible Ways to Celebrate
Community clean-up (parks, cities, beaches, water ways, etc..)
Plant trees
Invest in sustainable fashion
Invest in wind and solar power
Reduce the use of plastics
A national spotlight of a favorite of The Big Oak is the company 4Ocean.
Website = www.4ocean.com
4ocean is an ocean cleanup company dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis. As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp, they harness the power of business to fund a global cleanup operation that is responsible for recovering millions of pounds of plastic and trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines.
One pound of plastic is pulled from the ocean to create bracelets for purchase. To date, 4Ocean has pulled over 28,000,000 pounds of plastic from oceans and waterways.
For more ideas and information check out www.earthday.org/earth-day-2023/
A glimpse of the Caribbean waters of Aruba. Hats off to 4Ocean for doing their part keeping plastic out of our oceans.
