Happy Earth Day, 2009!

For those unfamiliar, Earth Day started in 1969 as a grassroots effort to make people aware of growing environmental issues, and particularly littering and pollution of the air, lakes, oceans and rivers. Because college campuses were typically where most movements were started, the date, April 22 was chosen because it would be a date that wouldn't interfere with most college activities and when most students would be available to participate. Drawing upon the success of the Vietnam educational "teach-ins" of the late 60s, a similar format was chosen for what was originally called the "Environmental Teach-In", later called "Earth Day." Within several years, the movement had made great strides toward holding polluters accountable, forcing them to clean up their messes and making people aware in general, about how their individual habits can affect the environment as a whole. With the construction and growing use of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s, (yes, the interstate highways are only about 50 years old...) there was an increasing concern about the amount of highway litter being dumped on the sides of the roads and so the "Keep America Beautiful" campaign was started to raise awareness of the problem. The movement took on a new life with the environmental awareness campaigns of the 1960s. For those old enough, you probably remember the 1970's "Keep America Beautiful" ad campaign and the Ad Council commercials with "Iron Eyes Cody" which ended with the words, "People start pollution...people can stop it" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OHG7tHrNM And this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH0U2AsyoWU It's interesting to note that the "Indian," Iron Eyes Cody was not Native American at all, but was an Italian Immigrant who adopted Native American ways and who starred in over 200 films and commercials. Until his death in 1999 he lived as a Native American and even adopted Native American children. Anyway, for any still reading. Earth day in the 21st century is still very much centered around concern for the environment and helping people realize the impact they can make, both positively and negatively on the environment as a whole through their actions. But the focus as switched over the decades from pollution and litter, to things like sustainable and low environmental impact energy creation as well as green house emissions and global warming as a whole. But whether you believe that Earth Day is a vital event needed to help save the planet, or a kooky scheme cooked up by us weird liberal tree-huggers, it really is within your power to make a global change with local action. Turn out a light in a room that doesn't need to be on. Combine two car trips into one, or just use a little less water today. Every little bit helps! Blessings to all and a happy Earth Day! Ron