Emilio Küffer/Flickr Creative Commons
When Earth Day was first declared in 1970, the date chose was March 21 which of course is the first day of Spring up here in the Northern Hemisphere. But somehow April 22 was also chosen as an environmental teach-in day and that date has stuck ever since as Earth Day. It appears from 1970 to 1990 that Earth Day was primarily an event held in the United States, but in 1990 a reported 200 million people in 141 countries world-wide came together to raise awareness of environmental issues all over our plant thus bringing Earth Day to international status.
What does Earth Day mean? It is meant to bring focus to individual environmental issues such as water pollution, air pollution, species loss, deforestation, climate change, etc etc etc. This year marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day and the stated goal is to plant one billion trees worldwide. If you’re not in a location to plant trees, go out an enjoy them instead! Every city park across this nation has at least some trees, heck in some towns the tree IS the city park!
Here in America we are very fortunate. We have National Forests and Parks, State Forests and Parks, as well as the local city parks. When this country was younger, forward thinking leaders recognized that if certain lands were not place off-limits to expansion and development, they would disappear forever. So luckily, massive land allotments around interesting and beautiful geographic feature were set aside for future generations to enjoy. Not every civilization has followed that model, and we should go out and appreciate what the previous generations set aside for us!
As RV’ers we choose to visit and support with our patronage the Parks and Forests of all kinds and descriptions, and it is our job to introduce the next generations to these incredible gifts. There is nothing more beneficial for our country than to teach the coming generations what was done for them, and what needs to be done to protect what was done. Help us celebrate Earth Day by either planting a tree, or going to enjoy one!