earth day every day
March 11, 2020

Earth Day – The Story

During the 1960s environmental concerns: smog, pollution, pesticides, and oils spills had grown to such a level that the public began to look for ways to bring more attention to the problems while searching for solutions.

In 1969, at a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Conference in San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth. and the concept of peace be celebrated on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This day of nature’s equipoise was later sanctioned in a proclamation written by McConnell and signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations.

Inspired by environmental concerns and supported by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, a month later, on April 22, an estimated 20 million Americans gathered across the nation for rallies, teach-ins, speeches, and publicity gimmicks. This was considered by many to be the beginning of the Environmental Movement. Nelson later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his work.

To countless participants, that first Earth Day was a turning point in their lives which they remember to this day with awe and reverence.

Earth Day Alliance

In 1990, still focused on solutions to preserve and protect the environment, Denis Hayes, the national coordinator of Earth Day in 1970, relaunched Earth Day as an  international day and 141 nations took part.

Locally, students and members of the grass roots community working under the umbrella of the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO) held the first Earth Day in San Luis Obispo County. The coordinating group became the Earth Day Coalition and went on to coordinate an Earth Day Fair for ten years.

Realizing the time, energy, funds and commitment required to coordinate an annual Earth Day event Earth Day Alliance, Inc. was formed as a nonprofit 501c3  organization. Each annual Earth Day will take place on or near April 22.

The purpose of Earth Day is to educate, motivate and take action to protect and preserve our natural resources, air, land and water.  Businesses, nonprofit organizations, students, clubs  and family are encouraged to share their environment solution, action or message with residents and visitors. The goal is to connect the environmental movement and community members.

Earth Day Alliance, Inc. is seeking volunteers to serve on the planning committee and leadership roles and volunteer  day of even volunteers board members and volunteers each year. To learn more and have your questions answered call (805) 544-8529 or send an email to earthdayslo@gmail.com.