On Sunday, April 22, 2018 billions of people around the world will be united in the celebration of our planet and its environment, Earth Day!
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Wisconsin Senator Gaylor Nelson was deeply troubled by the effects of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA. Inspired by the energy of the anti-war movement he saw an opportunity to infuse the movement with knowledge of another important agenda item - air and water pollution. On April 22,1970, 20 million Americans from coast to coast took to the streets, parks, and lecture halls to educate and rally for increased focus on the environment. This incredible grassroots effort set the stage for national legislation including the Clean Air Act (1970) and the Clean Water Act (1972). The effort has continued to grow.
Earth Day 1990 mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries, lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Efforts such as recycling saw huge boosts efforts worldwide and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Earth Day 2000, supported by the power of the internet, included 5,000 environmental groups in a record 184 countries. The focus of global warming and clean energy continue to resonate.
Education and Careers
This continued rise in awareness of the environment has led to increased education, new legislation, and new careers. Susan Anderson, founder of TBK Environmental Consulting has seen these changes first hand. “Since I began in this business almost 20 years ago, I’ve noticed a heightened awareness in preserving our earth; not only at home with recycling, but also on a corporate and regulatory level,” she notes. Anderson deals with “earth day” every day, she’s observed companies’ increased understanding of the benefits of preserving our environment. “Companies are educating themselves, their employees, becoming involved in community efforts. Efforts are definitely being made to lessen their carbon footprint,” says Anderson.
On the education front, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) jobs have grown by 10.5% from 2009 to 2015. Environmental Sciences was the second largest growth area among the STEM jobs according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “I personally have seen the most growth on the compliance side as employers are looking to hire individuals that will create a proactive culture in the workplace when relating to regulatory compliance,” says Anderson.
Earth Day has become one of the most widely celebrated environmental events across the globe and has now extended into Earth Week. Take some time this week to celebrate our planet and learn how you can incorporate a little “Earth Day” into your every day.
Events
Thurs., Apr 19
Tarrant County Earth Day Celebration - Fort Worth
@Tarrant County Public Health Building, 1101 South Main at Rosedale.
Celebration features a variety of informational booths related to Earth Day, as well as live entertainment. Dan Lepinski's "Solar Shuttle" solar trailer will provide 100% solar electricity for the event sound stage.
Time: 8am-11:30am
Cost: Free admission and parking.
www.tarrantcounty.com
Fri., Apr 20 – Sun., Apr. 22
EARTHx
The world’s largest annual forum for sharing the latest initiatives, discoveries, research, innovations, policies, and corporate practices that are reshaping our world. EARTHx brings together environmental organizations, businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, speakers, interactive programming, and subject matter experts along with live music and sustainable beer and food pavilions. EARTHx creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for thought and experiential learning while encouraging attendees to be the change they wish to see in the world
Time: 10am–6pm
Cost: $5
www.earthx.org
Sat., Apr 21
Earth Day Celebration
@ Town Square Gazebo, 325 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051
Keep Grapevine Beautiful hosts, in partnership with Farmer’s Market of Grapevine, Earth Day Celebration. Featuring local vendors, educational presentations, crafts and information on environmentally friendly living.
Time: 8am-11:30am
Cost: Free
www.gograpevine.com
Sat., Apr 21
Crud Cruiser – Spring Cleaning Event
@Dragon Stadium
Environmentally safe disposal of household hazardous waste, electronics recycling & document shredding for Southlake residents (please bring proof of residency).
Time: 9am-11am or until full
Cost: Free
www.cityofsouthlake.com
Sat., Apr 21
Spring Lecture Series: Spring Pollinators, with Sher Dunaway
@Bob Jones Nature Center, Southlake, TX
While not an Earth Day specific event, the survival of pollinators (especially bees) has become an important environmental discussion. Learn about how you can make a positive difference.
Time:
Cost: Free to Members, $7 to no-members
www.bjnc.org
Find more events at https://www.greensourcedfw.org/calendar and share your Earth Day activities online with #EarthDayEveryDay