If Rachel Carson's Silent Spring is the sacred text of environmentalism, then Earth Day is its holiest of days. It is not a federal holiday in the U.S., but this celebration does receive a fair amount of coverage in the press.
What Is the Origin of the Earth Day Celebration?
As to the origin of Earth Day, Beverly Hernandez, About's Former Guide to Homeschooling, notes, "On April 22, 1970, Arbor Day activities were modified to emphasize the critical importance of the environment and to make the American public aware of the destruction of the earth's natural preserves." Larry West, former Environmental Issues Guide, supplies a full history of Earth Day.
When Is the Earth Day Celebration?
April 22 continues to be the most popular date for the celebration of Earth Day in the U.S.
Any Relation to Arbor Day?
The reason for the association between Arbor Day and Earth Day is fairly transparent. Both Arbor Day and Earth Day are environmental statements, although the former is less politicized in nature than is Earth Day and targeted at a specific part of our environment: trees. Also like Earth Day, the history of Arbor Day isn't long compared to traditional holidays, although Arbor Day is about one hundred years older than Earth Day. Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday in April, so the two holidays are celebrated within one week of each other in the U.S. -- when much of the country is exulting in its first stretch of warm weather after a long winter. However, Earth Day is celebrated in many countries, in some of which its date falls on the spring equinox (ca. March 21).
In landscaping your yard, there are plenty of environmentally friendly actions you can take to honor Earth Day -- all year round, not just on Earth Day itself! Below are links to resources I've assembled to steer you in the right direction:
Getting Personal With the Earth Day Celebration: 10 Ways to "Save the Planet"
Think of so-called "green living" as a two-pronged approach. One of its tenets is not to squander natural resources that aren't always readily available: thus the movements for energy conservation and water conservation. Another tenet is to avoid environmental pollution. I provide practical tips for both in the following resource:
Energy Conservation and Water Conservation -- Green Living Ideas
Make Every Day "Earth Day": Recycle!
Do you wonder what you can do to cut back on waste from the holiday season? Or perhaps you're interested in ideas for recycling leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste? Please consult the following resource to see how you can make every day "Earth Day":
