Earth Day: History, Stats & Facts on Energy Use, Recycling Tips & More

Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff

Spikes in oil, gas, and food prices raise awareness of the need to conserve resources


by Beth Rowen

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, a result of the efforts of Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wis.), a passionate advocate of protecting the environment and increasing awareness of environmental issues. While social activism was at peak levels in the late 1960s and early '70s, legislation on environmental issues was nearly nonexistent. Nelson struggled since he was elected to the Senate in 1962 to persuade Congress to establish an environmental agenda. Frustrated by the obstacles and resistance he faced, he appealed to the mood of the public and designated April 22 as a "national day for the environment." He hoped to impress upon fellow politicians that humans have an enormous impact on the environment. Nelson certainly achieved his goal. More than 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day celebration, prompting voter-hungry politicians to take notice. The overwhelming response helped generate a new political focus on the environment. As that focus has become increasingly global, more people than ever are celebrating Earth Day around the world.

In the past several years as countries all over the world have been mired in recession and affected by turmoil in the Middle East, Earth Day has taken on increased significance. Indeed, skyrocketing food, gas, and oil prices have impacted people rich and poor, businesses large and small. That's the bad news. The good news is that the spike in energy and food prices has increased awareness about the dangers of global warming and inspired people and corporations to conserve resources and "go green."

Many companies are doing their part by encouraging employees to use less paper and take public transportation to and from work, allowing some employees to telecommute, and using green materials and alternative heating systems when they rebuild or renovate. On the consumer side, sales of hybrid cars are up, while gas-guzzling SUVs are crowding used-car lots. People are trading in their standard light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs, and clotheslines are becoming as popular in backyards as swing sets. These measures not only save energy and the Earth, they also save money.

Facts & Stats about Pollution and Global Warming

Find explanations of the greenhouse effect, the ozone layer, and substances that pollute the air; statistics about polluted areas in the U.S. and the world, information about environmental disasters, and more.

Going Green

Learn how to turn your environmentally mean lifestyle into a green one.

Environmental Disasters

Read about some of the largest disasters in the world that were caused by human activity and upset the delicate balance of nature.

Energy: Production & Consumption

Find out which countries use and produce the most energy, how much the U.S. consumes, where the largest nuclear power plants in the U.S. are located, and more.

History & Biographies

Take a look at the history of the environmental movement and read biographies of pioneers in the field.

Quizzes, Games, & Activities

Try one of these quizzes about the environment or make an environmentally themed craft.



Sources +