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.

About the Author:

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.

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Article Submitted On: January 26, 2007
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