Earth Day Turns 50

Photo by Sonja Sommerfeld/TPWD

Today it's a ubiquitous celebration that spans the globe and one of the largest secular observances in the world. Schools include it in their curriculum planning. Businesses host special events for their employees. Non-profits recognize it by sponsoring clean-ups and tree plantings. 

Fifty years ago it was simply the vision of Senator Gaylord Nelson, who worked across the aisle with Representative Pete McCloskey, to bring together a range of stakeholders in support of bettering the world we live in.

1970's Earth Day saw Americans in thousands of cities, coast-to-coast, take to the streets to shed light on the pollution, oil spills, habitat loss and extinction of wildlife that threatened their planet. It led, in part, to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and laws that govern natural resources we all enjoy.

This year we may not be able to participate in group activities but we can think of the small things we can do to make every day Earth Day. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Firewise Landscaping

Wait Before 'Rescuing'

Citizen Scientists Aid in Conservation

Eco-musicians Inspire Young Naturalists

Growing Native

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