On April 22, 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin was so concerned about the deteriorating natural landscape of the United States that he organized the first Earth Day,
a day of teach-ins on college campuses to raise awareness of air and water pollution. America’s passionate response to Earth Day surprised Nelson. Millions of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, race, or creed, banded together to support protecting the environment. By the end of 1970, President Nixon had created the Environmental Protection Agency, and shortly thereafter Congress passed the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. It’s been over 50 years since that first Earth Day, and environmental action has never seemed more urgent. While it is up to major corporations to reduce their carbon footprints, individuals can still do their part by eating more plant-based foods, buying less, composting, and supporting local businesses.
