In the 1960s, after the release of Rachel Carson’s best-seller “Silent Spring”, American citizens were starting to understand the ailments of the Earth. Not only did they start to understand the effects of pesticides, but they were also starting to understand other issues, especially pollution. This understanding didn’t truly come to fruition until 1970 when citizens around the country rallied together to hold demonstrations to bring attention to Mother Earth.

Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin had been inspired by the anti-Vietnam War teach-ins of the 1960s where college students would demonstrate their voices. He decided that he needed to show the Federal government the risks to the environment. Through an energized grassroots campaign, thousands of demonstrators marched to make their voices heard. There were rallies in Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and most other major U.S. cities. Congress went on recess so that its members could give speeches. It is easy to see that the idea was a success. Public opinions entirely changed. According to the EPA, “When polled in May 1971, 25 percent of the U.S. public declared protecting the environment to be an important goal, a 2,500 percent increase over 1969.”

This year, the Pennridge area has plenty of activities to participate in to celebrate the Earth. At Saint Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, you can attend the Earth Day Extravaganza with environmental advocacy activities. One of the planners, Corissa McDonald, said, “This year myself and my church’s senior group planned a ‘Jeopardy-style game where kids answer various questions regarding pollution, the history of Earth Day, and wildlife.” From 12-4 p.m. on Earth Day, Allentown has planned the 2023 Earth Day in the Park Celebration for its fourth year. They will host eco-friendly vendors, environmental stewardship education, and Earth games and activities. From 1-4 p.m. on April 23, Perkasie will have its Earth Day celebration. It will have educational exhibitions, eco-friendly food, and representatives from Master Gardeners. They will also have live music, community, and crafts. If you plan to attend, bring your food scraps! The KONA Compost Co. will be collecting almost everything besides meat and dairy products. You can also bring various other waste products for collection including athletic shoes, usable clothing, razor blades, and plastic film.

If public events aren’t your thing, you can also make Earth Day for yourself. AP Environmental Science teacher Sabrina Bates says that she doesn’t often go to community events on Earth Day stating, “We try to create our own community event within my neighborhood. I will post about how my family will be beautifying the creeks and other common areas and then invite anyone who helps to come back to my house for pizza.” You can also spend the day conserving energy and water, planting some trees, or just educating yourself on the best ways to live a greener life!
Regardless of your means of celebration, there are a plethora of ways to get involved. Spend Earth Week thanking nature and doing something positive for it!

Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/earth-day
https://www.earthday.org/history/
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/earth-day#:~:text=That’s%20why%20each%20year%20on,happier%2C%20healthier%20place%20to%20live
https://perkasieborough.org/our-events/earth-day/
https://www.allentownpa.gov/Home/Special-Events/Events/Earth-Day-in-the-Park