Happy Earth Day 2011

Over the years, Ryan and I have done our part by planting trees that will last for years to come, bought energy-efficient light bulbs for our entire home, and recycled as part of our community's efforts to preserve our beautiful land, but I learned a few things about Earth Day that I previously didn't know, like...

Earth Day was founded by Democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin in 1970, after making a trip to Santa Barbara, California in 1969; He was so outraged by the devastation that he proposed a national teach-in on the environment to be observed by every university and campus in the U.S..  He felt the need for this teach-in was really important for the new generation approaching them.

In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day 

Over 20 million people participated on Earth Day held on April 22, 1970, and is now observed by more than 500 million people worldwide, and several national governments in 175 countries.

Senator Nelson chose the date in order to maximize participation on college campuses for what he conceived as an "environmental teach-in". He determined the week of April 19–25 was the best bet as it did not fall during exams or spring breaks.  Moreover, it did not conflict with religious holidays such as Easter or Passover, and was late enough in spring to have decent weather. More students were likely to be in class, and there would be less competition with other mid-week events—so he chose Wednesday, April 22.

You can read more about this amazing holiday at the Earth Day Network and Wikipedia, which provided the wonderful information above; They do a really good job of covering it's history.  So check it out, it doesn't hurt to read more about the countless efforts millions of people around the world have made to help save Mother Earth.