Earth Day started in 1970. Wisconsin Senator Gayland Nelson was inspired by the student anti-war movement and wanted to infuse the energy from protests with emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. He worked with young activist Denis Hayes to organize campus Tech-ins. They chose April 22 because it was between spring break and final exams. They changed the name to Earth Day, which immediately sparked national media attention. They inspired 20 million Americans to take to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate against industrial development. All this would help lead to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the passing of the National Environmental Education Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act – all by the end of 1970.

Over the next 50 years, Earth Day would continue to grow and get more people to take action. In 1990, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and giving a huge boost to recycling efforts. In 2000, the Internet helped get 5,000 environmental groups worldwide involved, with a big push on global warming and clean energy. 

For the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, 2010 saw one billion people around the world take action. There was also a Global Day of Conversation where 200+ elected officials in more than 39 countries took part in active dialogues about efforts to create sustainable green economies and reduce their carbon footprint. And even though the 50th Anniversary fell during the midst of a global pandemic, Earth Day had the largest mass mobilization in history with 100 million people observing.

2025 marks the 55th Anniversary of Earth Day, and we are as determined as ever to keep our green efforts going. We are always looking for new ways to take action and always welcome helpful suggestions! Here’s some of what we’re doing to celebrate Earth Day EVERY DAY!