Earth Day is being celebrated every year on April 22, and as always serves as a reminder of the importance of global conservation and environmental sustainability. The annual celebration encourages everyone – not just environmentalists and activists – to work towards a healthier planet and a better future. As the team at Veransa Group is committed to these same ideals, it is only appropriate that we take a closer look at this important global initiative.
Our planet is brimming with striking yet fragile natural beauty. At Veransa, we understand that everyone has a role in cultivating a more meaningful connection with nature and protecting the planet for future generations. Earth Day gives us all the opportunity to participate, so what are the origins of this important observance?
What is Earth Day (and Other Facts)
Earth Day is set aside to raise awareness about the planet’s pressing and future environmental challenges. While some attend conservation awareness events, others organize beach cleanups, tree planting groups or recycling campaigns. Social media plays an integral role in spreading awareness, allowing this established holiday to evolve into an online phenomenon. Are you ready to learn more?
- Earth Day was the inspiration of Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson, a two-term governor (1958 to 1962) who was known for putting emphasis on his state’s environmental policy with a three-pronged approach: establishing the Department of Resource Development, creating a Youth Conservation Corps and budgeting $50 million to purchase land for parks and wilderness areas. A famous quote attributed to Nelson, who went on to become a U.S. Senator: “Environment is all of America and its problems. It is rats in the ghetto. It is a hungry child in a land of affluence. It is housing not worthy of the name; neighborhoods not fit to inhabit.”
- The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970. Nelson, frustrated by a lack of Senate support for environmental policy but inspired by the youth movements of his time, organized the day as a “teach-in” for the environment. Nelson’s plan was so popular that 85 people were hired to implement the first Earth Day successfully.
- Although taking place for over 50 years, it has recently been gaining significant and rapid acceptance as more people join the fight for sustainability.
- 1990 marked the beginning of Earth Day as a global event. For the first 20 years of its existence, Earth Day was more of a localized grass-roots celebration, but in 1990, it was recognized by 140 countries. Earth Day is now acknowledged in over 190 countries and by 1 billion annual participants.
- In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 as International Mother Earth Day, but the United States has yet to adopt the name, leaving it more simply as “Earth Day.”
- The official flag of Earth Day, appropriately dubbed the “Earth Flag,” was created by John McConnell for the first Earth Day. The design features a photographic image of Earth that was taken during the flight of Apollo 10 in 1969. The image was updated in 1973 to feature The Blue Marble, a photo of Earth taken by the Apollo 17 crew during their trip to the moon on December 7, 1972.
- “Earth Anthem”, a theme song penned by Indian poet and diplomat Abhay Kumar in 2008, was inspired by the Blue Marble image and the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “The World Is One Family.” The Earth Anthem has been translated into over 150 world languages.
We have a lot more to share about Earth Day and local sustainability, which we will continue to share throughout the month. The mission of The Veransa Group states that “we are a community of passionate individuals committed to making a difference. We work closely with local farmers, gardeners, landscapers, and environmental enthusiasts, offering not just products but also knowledge and support. Our goal is to empower our customers to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes and gardens.”
In other words, every day is Earth Day at Veransa!
