The Story Behind Earth Day
Thursday, April 22, 2021 10:39:54 AM America/Los_Angeles
Earth Day has been around for decades, but so much has changed since its founding. While we’ve experienced many detrimental effects of climate change since then, we’ve also seen a major shift in people's perspectives on environmental issues. In honor of Earth Day, this post discusses the story behind it and why it’s so important to continue celebrating the beautiful planet we call home!
Photo by Noah Buscher
What is Earth Day all about?
Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 after a Wisconsin senator was compelled by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill to garner more attention for environmental issues. Senator Gaylord Nelson hoped increased coverage would also incite systemic changes that would address the growing concerns surrounding the environment.
On the first Earth Day, environmental teach-ins were coordinated on college campuses across the country. Since teach-ins were the focus of the first Earth Day, April 22 was selected because it was the least likely to conflict with other college events like spring break or finals. The teach-ins were initially planned in order to encourage discussion about how people could become more proactive about initiating change that would address issues like pollution.
However, it steadily grew to become a national event, and the gathering on April 22, 1970 still remains the largest single day protest in human history! The dedicated efforts of Nelson and others continue to pay off today. On April 22, 2016, nearly 200 world leaders gathered to sign the Paris Agreement at the UN in an effort to curb climate change and its effects.
How is Earth Day celebrated?
The primary goal of Earth Day has always been to educate people about contemporary environmental issues. However, that doesn’t mean that festivities don’t abound! Across the country, events are held to both celebrate the Earth and bring awareness to environmental concerns. From talks, to eco-activism, to political action, Earth Day continues to be a day for people to both celebrate and learn about environmental issues.
Why is Earth Day important?
Earth Day is globally utilized as a day for political action related to environmental causes. As with the Paris Agreement, governments continue to use April 22 as a day to discuss and advance policy that addresses the most pressing issues facing the Earth.
Less serious but equally important is the opportunity it provides for children to learn about the environment. Many hope that planting these seeds early will help younger generations grow up to be responsible stewards of the earth. If you’re looking for a way to join in on the fun, check out the official Earth Day website to find an event near you!
Bark Potty partners with 1% for the Planet to donate 1% of our sales to One Tree Planted. 1% for the Planet is a network of businesses that have committed to taking responsibility for the environmental impacts of their various industries. 1% for the Planet encourages businesses to practice corporate responsibility by facilitating donations to grassroots environmental organizations such as One Tree Planted. Each Bark Potty purchase you make further supports our collective efforts to reduce the ecological footprint that humans have left on the environment!