The history of Earth Day dates to 1970. It was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson to promote ecology and the respect planetary life, and to foster awareness of air, water and soil pollution. Celebrations first took place in 2,000 colleges and universities, in 10,000 primary and secondary schools, and in hundreds of US communities. In 1990, efforts went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. In 1995, President Bill Clinton awarded Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role as Earth Day founder. Today, it is observed in 192 countries, and coordinated by the non-profit Earth Day Network.

Traditionally, Earth Day sets the stage for environmental consciousness and acts of service, such as the planting of trees, picking up roadside trash, and promoting recycling and conservation programs.

It’s a good day to take notice of the air you freely breathe, the clean water that readily dispenses from your faucet, and the trash pickup that puts the human footprint at bay. It’s a good day to implement conservation methods and bio-degradable goods in your everyday life!