Founded in 1970, Earth Day has become a passionate and momentous date around the country. Although hard to imagine now, prior to 1970, factories and refineries were legally allowed to discharge thousands of tons of toxic wastewater into the nearest natural waterway. In fact, this was not only encouraged, it was considered a good business practice.
According to the Earth Day Network, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, the architect behind Earth Day became inspired to challenge this norm after witnessing the devastating effects of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Recognizing the powerful anti-war movement, especially strong throughout the academic ranks, Senator Nelson realized that if he could infuse that same energy with a gradually blooming consciousness about air and water pollution, it would propel environmental protection onto the national stage. Anchoring to a fervent national student body, April 22, an all-important academic period between Spring Break and Final Exams, was selected as the official Earth date.[1]
On April 22, 1970, the first official Earth Day commenced. Unlike anything that had been seen, over 20 million Americans infiltrated streets, parks and venue halls to demonstrate and protest for a sustainable environment. In coast-to-coast rallies, thousands of organized college and university protests were suddenly forcing the environmental agenda to the forefront of American politics.[2]
Senator Nelson’s Earth Day achieved what many today see as a rare political and social alignment. By the end of 1970, Earth Day had spurred the creation of several of the most fundamental environmental laws and organizations that still stand today, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.[3]
Sustainable Water is proud to continue the storied tradition of Earth Day by participating and engaging communities across the country in celebration of Earth Day. This year Sustainable Water was particularly active in attending seven events throughout the nation, bringing water awareness and the benefits of water reuse to communities and organizations with a diverse set of needs. One of the most well attended Earth Day events was at Emory University. As one of the forefront higher education leaders in sustainability, Emory University highlighted their Earth Day with a celebration of the WaterHub and the monumental water savings it has achieved since its inception.
[1] About Us. The History of Earth Day. Earth Day Network. Web.
http://www.earthday.org/about/the-history-of-earth-day/
[2] About Us. The History of Earth Day. Earth Day Network. Web.
http://www.earthday.org/about/the-history-of-earth-day/
[3] About Us. The History of Earth Day. Earth Day Network. Web.
http://www.earthday.org/about/the-history-of-earth-day/
Picture Reference: By Macrovector