Earth Day was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in the spring of 1970. Senator Gaylord envisioned a day that would be a kind of environmental teach-in. Over 20 million people participated on the first celebration of Earth day on April 22, 1970. Ultimately, Earth Day became the largest organized celebration in US history.
Earth Day throughout the years
Over the years, the number of people celebrating Earth Day all over the world has turned the environmentally friendly day into an international celebration. Today, Earth Day is not only the largest international environmental observation throughout the world, but it is also more widely celebrated than any other environmental event in the world. Earth Day is celebrated in 175 countries and over 500 million people participate in the celebration.
Earth Day is credited with developing the “think green” idea. This day encourages congress to establish laws, including the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. It also encouraged the passage of the Endangered Species Act.
Four ways to make a difference
There are little things you can do to make a big impact on the environment. Our team at Georgia School of Orthodontics have compiled a few ways you help the environment life all year around!
• Recycle fabrics. Did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency nearly 21 million tons of fabric are added to the landfills in America each year? You can help cut down on solid waste and conserve natural resources by donating your unwanted clothing to a secondhand store, a shelter, or an organization that repurposes fabric.
• Reduce your use of disposables. Items such as plastic bottles and bags, disposable diapers and other things we can use and discard are easily available, but they’re not necessary. Replace just one type of disposable product with a reusable one can help you reduce waste that has a large negative impact on the environment.
• Conserve Water. Did you know that more than 1.5 million gallons of water could be conserved if everyone in the U.S. turned off the tap while brushing their teeth? One small thing you can do to help conserve water is to turn the water on to wet your toothbrush for brushing and rinsing, and then turn the water off again.
• Turn Off the Lights. Flipping the light switch to off if you’re leaving a room for 15 minutes or more will conserve energy on incandescent light bulbs and cut down on energy costs.
You don’t have to be an environmental activist or install solar panels all over your home to live a more greener life. Although you can do these things, the small everyday measures can make a big difference in helping the environment, while reducing your carbon footprint. Our team at Georgia School of Orthodontics wants to remind you to celebrate Earth Day and help the environment, not just on Earth Day, but all year around. Your contribution will benefit your generation and generations to come!
