hen noxious fumes engulf cities and rivers catch fire, not much else is necessary to realize that something is very wrong with the environment. Against this backdrop, the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970 in the United States. It all began when Gaylord Nelson, a Senator from Wisconsin, conceptualized a nationwide 'Environmental Teach-in'; modeled after the antiwar sit-ins in college and university campuses in 1969. His aim was to bring national environmental concerns in the limelight, and make them a component of mainstream political agendas.

Nationwide, activities and protests received enthusiastic support as twenty million Americans got together to participate in the first Earth Day. An extraordinary alliance was achieved when people from all walks of life cheered for Earth Day.

1990 celebrated the 20th anniversary of Earth Day and also marked the year the festivities went international. An estimated 200 million people in 141 countries participated in local Earth Day activities that year, making it the largest grassroots event in history. This growing global event called Earth Day is celebrated every year with much fervor and passion and is a catalyst for change.

What's happening around the world?
Earth Day Network - A worldwide network for earth day events.
Earth Day Canada - Empowering Canadians to take action and achieve local solutions.

What can you do?
PA Department of Environmental Protection - Visit Earth Day Central to learn about sustainable living.
WorldWatch Institute - Learn how to exercise your consumer influence to create environmental change.