Home > Earth Day, April 22

Earth Day: April 22, A Day of Environmental Awareness
By Gail Leino

Proof of the media’s impact on the world today, it was not until the full throttle report put out by the New York Times that the environmental awareness sought by Senator Gaylord Nelson really took on some steam. For seven years prior to the actual Earth Day grassroots movement, Senator Nelson had tried to gain the proper respect and recognition he felt the environment deserved.

Beginning in 1962, Nelson purposed to President Kennedy the idea of a national conservation tour, which was an attempt to bring political attention to the needs of the environment, composed of a five day trek covering eleven states to spread environmental awareness. Although this seemed to be what would break into the public’s attention, it did not. It seemed the people were troubled by the environments degradation but the public policy was not following that concern. Earth Day did not come about until six long years later.

Noticing the interest being captured by the press within the student anti-war movements over the Vietnam War, an idea came to Senator Nelson. Creating an “anti-war movement” but directing the concern to the environment rather than any actual war. The hope was that this demonstration of concern for the environment would generate press and public awareness and in so stimulate the public policy to take action in areas of environmental interest.

Five months prior to the demonstration, the New York Times, ran a lengthy article on the intent of the grassroots movement purposed by Senator Nelson. The response was overwhelmingly supportive of such an expression. Contacts of every kind were coming into the Senators office from every corner of the country. Needless to say, the accumulation of twenty million demonstrators backed by thousands of schools and communities organized and finally grabbed the political attention the environment so rightly deserved. It is this day in history that marked the first Earth Day and is an annual observed holiday on America calendars yet today.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for birthday party supplies and fun free educational party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Holiday Party Decorations, free games, menus, recipes, coloring sheets, theme ideas, and activities to help complete your event.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
http://EzineArticles.com/?Earth-Day:--April-22-a-Day-of-Environmental-Awareness&id=427175