Five Earth Day Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Everyone should know a few Earth Day Facts. Climate change is a matter of great interest to many globally. We have been talking about the environment, the climate and Earth Day here for several weeks actually. One of my daughters is working on an assignment that has an environmental component so this is top of mind. These Earth Day Facts are not well known to many, so they might be new to you too.
Five Earth Day Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Earth Day has been around for a long time, but it seems like it just started getting major attention in the past few years. With everyone talking about climate change, elevated emissions, a push for decreasing fossil fuels, and generally reducing our footprint on the planet, Earth Day has become more of a nationally recognized event. As it should be.
Lesser Known Earth Day Facts
1: Climate Change was a Concern 45 Years Ago
The first Earth Day was held in 1970. Peace activist John McConnell conceived the idea at a UNESCO conference in 1969. This was then championed by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, who had growing concerns about how humans were impacting the planet. Even way back then, people were concerned about our planet.
2: Earth Day was Suspected of Being a Communist Conspiracy
Believe it or not, there was some major talk of Earth Day being a communist conspiracy. As it turned out, when April 22, 1970 was translated to the Gregorian calendar, the date was the 100th anniversary of Vladimir Lenin’s birth. The Gregorian calendar is significant because it was adopted by the Soviets in the early 1900s. Vladimir Lenin’s birth is significant because, along with Marx, he was a major figure in the communist movement. It’s an interesting little factoid but completely convoluted.
[tweetthis]DYK earth day was once thought of as a communist conspiracy?[/tweetthis]
3. Earth Day Wasn’t Always World Wide
Even though Earth Day is now celebrated in almost 200 countries world wide, it began as a strictly American day celebrating our planet and highlighting the need to make sure we keep it healthy.
4. The Purpose of Earth Day
We all know Earth Day is a day that we all celebrate this planet and what we can do to help it. Did you know that Earth Day’s original purpose was to inspire real change? It still is, I suppose, but back then it was meant to start a movement. The senator who pushed for Earth Day was inspired by the increasing pollution in the environment and its impact on the planet. He was also inspired by the flower power movement. He could see that there was something more beneath the sentiment.
5. Earth Day has Two Official Anthems
I’ll bet you didn’t know this one. It’s true. Earth Day has two official anthems. Abhor Kumar wrote the first one. His “Earth Anthem” has been translated into eight languages, including all the languages of the United Nations. The second anthem by William Wallace is set to Ode to Joy, which is also the anthem of the European Union. Pretty interesting, isn’t it?
[tweetthis]DYK Earth Day has two anthems? #EarthDay[/tweetthis]
There you have it. I’m willing to bet you didn’t know all of these little factoids about Earth Day. I sure didn’t. What I find particularly inspiring about Earth Day is that from the beginning it was about our planet and what we can either do to it, or for it.
[tweetthis]Five Facts You Can Share with Your Kids about #EarthDay[/tweetthis]
Earth Day Facts Are Kind of Cool
Earth Day is an important day. My kids are increasingly interested in the environment and taking ownership of it. In fact, Earth Day is a great day to talk about that as a family. This planet is all we have, and we need to take care of it. Here’s hoping these five facts have inspired you to learn more about Earth Day.
I also have an Earth Day word search for little people.
17 Comments
Ashley Gill
My children and I plan to work outside in the yard all day on Earth Day! I have no idea Earth Day had an anthem, let alone 2!
Catherine S
These are all great facts that I didn’t know. I think I will take my son for a picnic in the park on Earth Day.
Jeanine
Great information! I wasn’t aware of many of this but I’m glad you brought attention. I’ve always been a fan of earth day and done our part, hope to do more this year!
Terry
I didn’t know Earth Day started around 1970. I have never actually even known what it was all about. Thanks for this post.
Amanda Ripsam
Bella’s class is doing something fun I am not sure what we are going to do yet. I have some plants I would like to get started on planting with Bella to put out on our Deck.
celebbabylaundry
Who knew global warming was such a big concern long ago, it’s something I just don’t see being solved any time soon!
Lesley
I didn’t know any of these Earth Day facts! These are great! I love them! I will share with my students.
Liz Mays
These are some pretty cool factlets. I had absolutely no clue about the Earth Day anthems!
April G
Nope. All of these Earth Day facts were news to me. Something that I will definitely have to take Earth Day more seriously this year.
christina aliperti
Thanks for this post, you are right I didn’t know most of these. Great info to teach to the kids now!
Dawn McAlexander
Geesh, you would think that someone would have realized that it was not a Communist conspiracy! Guess not!
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I didn’t realize that Earth Day had been around that long! I guess you learn something new everyday!
Stacey- Travel Blogger
Who knew that climate change had been an issue for so long? I’ll have to give scientists a little more credit!
Ann Bacciaglia
We try to act like it is Earth day everyday. It is so important to treat our planet the best we can. It is our children that will have to live in the mess we have created.
Pam
I participated in the first Earth Day in 1970. I was a freshman in high school and I remember it well. I am from Wisconsin where Senator Nelson was from and so it was a big deal in our state.
Maureen Campaiola
Good list but I did know all of these as I have a big earth day person.
Veronica
Great to know this new info. One more fun fact….it is also my dog’s birthday 🙂