Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22.  Earth Day has become an event on how to connect and celebrate nature as well as get educated about pressing environmental issues. We must all take a moment to see how we impact the environment and what actions can be taken to help lessen the effect.  Here are some facts about Earth Day.

Who Came Up with Earth Day?

Earth Day was thought up by Senator Gaylord Nelson who was a Democrat from Wisconsin. Nelson was inspired by the various types of protests and teach-ins that took place throughout college campus everywhere.  Nelson decided that he wanted to apply that concept to a larger scale that would bring focus to the environment

When Was the First Earth Day?

The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970 with approximately 20 million people in attendance at various rallies across the United States.  Earth Day is now recognized in over 180 countries with over 1 billion people taking part in the day. Social media has helped spread the news of Earth Day and the environmental issues which the day represents.

Earth Day has even become a part of various teaching curriculums in schools around the globe. By introducing Earth Day activities in the curriculum teachers and environmentalists are hoping the events will have a lasting effect on the children.

Other cities around the globe have turned Earth Day into a weeklong celebration.  The concept is to have a lasting effect on those who participate in the activities.  The activities act as way to remind people the value of going green in their local communities.

How Many Jobs Does Recycling Produce?

Many people believe that recycling is a waste of time and effort.  However the effort does pay off.  Approximately, 3.1 million jobs in the United States are from recycling and remanufacturing.  The impact of simple recycling can have long reaching results.

Plastic Bottles

The convenience of plastic bottles takes up space in landfills.  Most of us are guilty of grabbing that bottle of water at the local gas station as we head out for the day.  In fact in the United States there is over 200 billion beverage containers sold in any given year.  The number is staggering.  So is the fact that almost two-thirds of these containers will end up in a landfill or on the side of the road.  This is one of the reasons why recycling plastic containers is so important.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is becoming a growing problem in many areas around the globe.  The fact is that polluted air can cause lasting damage on the human body.  Over 2 million people will die each year due to air pollutants.

There are many more facts about Earth Day and the environment.  Take a moment; look up ways to participate in a local event.

Sources:

http://www.henslernurseryindiana.com/

www.mnn.com