Earth Day was created as a way to force the nation to recognize the destruction that factories had on the nation and the world. Additionally, the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Senator Gaylord Nelson created the day and 20 million Americans across the nation demonstrated to get the issue onto the national agenda.
The Creation of EPA
Thankfully their efforts worked. Furthermore, Congress created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tackle environmental issues, like pollution, in December 1970. Twenty years later Earth Day began to be celebrated around the world.
In May 1971, the EPA polled the citizens of the United States to see how they felt about raising awareness about environmental issues. Twenty-five “percent of the U.S. public declared protecting the environment to be an important goal, a 2,500 percent increase over 1969,” according to the EPA.
Moreover, in the 1970s a number of environmental legislations were passed, including:
- Clean Air Act.
- Water Quality Improvement Act.
- Endangered Species Act.
- Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.
- Toxic Substances Control Act.
Earth Day Network
Additionally, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is a nonprofit organization that coordinates Earth Day activities around the world. More than one billion individuals take part in various environmental activities.
Furthermore, the theme of this year’s celebrations is “Invest in Our Planet.” Moreover, this theme is focused on engaging businesses, governments, institutions, “and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part – everyone accounted for, everyone accountable,” according to EarthDay.org.
People need to come together and take “action against the climate crisis and lighting the spark to accelerate change towards a green, prosperous, and equitable future. We must join together in our fight for the green revolution, and for the health of future generations. The time is now to Invest In Our Planet,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG.
Chicago Museums Celebrate Earth Day
Additionally, some Chicago museums are giving Illinois residents free admission in honor of Earth Day. However, some places will require advance ticket reservations. In other places, people will only be able to grab tickets on-site.
The Field Museum is offering residents free admission for Earth Day — April 22. People can get their tickets on-site. Furthermore, Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) and active military personnel are always allowed free admission.
The Museum of Science and Industry is offering residents free admission on April 25. Furthermore, the United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers, and Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) are always given free admission.
Other Free Museum Days
Every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. people can get in free at the Adler Planetarium. People must purchase their tickets in advance online. Furthermore, admission is always free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12).
On April 26, admission to the Chicago History Museum will be free. Moreover, the museum is always free for active-duty military and veterans, active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade), Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12.
Ways to Celebrate
Tomorrow will be the 53rd Earth Day celebration. There are many ways to help bring awareness to things that need to be done to help save Earth while having some fun.
People can organize a river cleanup or removable of an evasive plant species. This can be done with the help of the whole community, a group of friends, or by oneself.
Furthermore, people can plant some saplings or flowers to help revive the ecosystem. Additionally, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds can help pollinate plants helping things grow and thrive.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
History: Earth Day 2023
Farmers Almanac: Earth Day 2023: How to Celebrate Earth Day
Earthday.org: EARTHDAY.ORG ANNOUNCES THEME FOR EARTH DAY 2023: “INVEST IN OUR PLANET”
United States Environmental Protection Agency: EPA History: Earth Day
NBC Chicago: Chicago Museums Offering Free Admission on Earth Day 2023
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Marco Verch Professional Photographer‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Daniela‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
