Earth Day

Earth Day, Apr. 22, a day to celebrate the environment. The first Earth Day was organized in 1970 to promote the ideas of ecology, encourage respect for life on earth, and highlight growing concern over pollution of the soil, air, and water. Earth Day is now observed in 140 nations with outdoor performances, exhibits, street fairs, and television programs that focus on environmental issues.

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Earth Day

April 22

The first Earth Day was observed on April 22, 1970, for the purpose of drawing public attention to the need for cleaning up the earth's air and water and for conserving our natural resources. Since that time the idea has spread, and Earth Day is now observed regularly throughout the United States and in many other countries (though there were some years of slack observance until the late 1980s).
Typical ways of celebrating Earth Day include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, and conducting various programs for recycling and conservation. Schoolchildren may be asked to use only recyclable containers for their snacks and lunches, and environmentally concerned families often try to give up wasteful habits, such as using paper towels or plastic garbage bags.
Earth days have been observed by other groups as well. The day of the Vernal Equinox is also observed by some as Earth Day.

CONTACTS:
Earth Day Network
1616 P St. N.W., Ste. 340
Seattle, WA 98104
202-518-0044; fax: 202-518-8794
www.earthday.net

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 223
AnnivHol-2000, p. 66

Celebration day: Apr 22