Environment

Earth Day History, Facts and Quiz for Kids on Earth Day 2010

by Amy Judd | April 21, 2010 at 06:34 pm

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What is the History of Earth Day?

Earth Day was started by Senator Gaylord Nelson and the idea for a day celebrating the earth was first thought of in 1962. Senator Nelson thought that a day was needed to honor the earth and that the earth needed more of a place in politics.

It was in 1962 that Senator Nelson convinced President John F. Kennedy to go on a tour of the United States that would act as a conservation tour, and he embarked on this five-day tour in September 1963. Senator Nelson did not consider the tour a success but it was the beginning of an idea for Earth Day.

The people of the United States became more concerned about environmental issues, but there was still nothing on the political agenda. It wasn't until the summer of 1969 that Senator Nelson decided to organize a grassroots movement like the ones against the Vietnam War, and in the spring of 1970 that demonstration took place.

The first Earth Day was held in 1970 and also gave birth to Earth Week (April 16 to April 22). As Senator Nelson says 'Earth Day organized itself'.

Some Fun Earth Day Facts

Over 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day in 1970.
It is held on April 22 because that is considered the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of Fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
St. Francis is the patron Saint of ecologists.
11 percent of the Earth's surface is used to grown food.
In America only about 27% of all newspapers are actually recycled. However if every newspaper was recycled it could save about 250,000,000 trees.

Earth Day Quiz for Kids