Earth Day

Earth Day is on April 22 of each year, which began in 1970. Earth Day 1970 was this nation's largest organized demonstration. It was a nationwide "teach-in" to dramatize America's environmental plight to a nation barely aware of its own environmental state.

More than 20 million people participated in Earth Day 1970, giving birth to the modern environmental movement. This event helped to shape the values and priorities of an entire generation and altered American politics and policies. The following is an overview of what happened on that historical day in 1970:
 
More than 20 million people participated in the events, listening to speeches, holding seminars and taking practical action to clean up the environment.

New York City's Fifth Avenue was closed to traffic and more than 100,000 people attended an ecology fair in Central Park.

Congress adjourned for the day and more than 500 of its members attended "teach-ins" at universities or made speeches about saving the environment.
A smog-free car was paraded through downtown St. Louis, Missouri by the United Auto Workers of America.

New York's Governor Rockefeller signed a measure coordinating pollution abatement and conservation activities.

In 1990, 200 million people around the world participated in the Earth Day celebration, demonstrating they cared about protecting our planet's environment.

Earth Day 2000 focused on global warming and clean energy around the world. With the help of the internet, 5,000 environmental groups in 184 countries around the world, participated in this event. As many of you are aware, Leonardo was chairperson for that event. To hear Leonardo's message, click here >

For a different viewpoint on earthday, visit Earth Day Energy Fast >

EARTH DAY GIVEAWAYS

Taking part in an Earth Day event this year? NRDC can provide handouts, including BioGems bookmarks, environmental guides and Nature's Voice. To request materials, email us at

biogemsinfo@nrdc.org. Be sure to include "Earth Day" in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address and the quantity of materials you are requesting. Supplies are limited.