Celebrate Earth Day

              Celebrate Earth Day!
By Laura L. Barnes, Librarian
Illinois Waste Management & Research Center Library
Introduction
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, the same year that President Richard Nixon signed the legislation that created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson, envisioned it as a grassroots celebration that would raise awareness of environmental issues. In celebration of the 35th anniversary of this historic event, visit the following sites to learn more about it and get ideas for making Earth Day every day.
History
All About Earth Day
http://earthday.wilderness.org/history/
The origins of Earth Day as told by Senator Gaylord Nelson
EPA’s Environmental Progress
http://www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm
A nice timeline of the significant progress made during the agency’s life. See also The Guardian: Origins of EPA at http://www.epa.gov/history/publications/origins.htm. Other publications about EPA’s history are available at http://www.epa.gov/history/publications/index.htm.
Portal Sites
Earth Day Network http://www.earthday.net/default.aspx Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. The site includes a searchable database of Earth Day events for both the U.S. and other countries. There are also links to downloadable materials for Earth Day 2005, including an Earth Day Organizer's Guide.
Earth Day U.S. Government Portal http://www.earthday.gov/ The portal for U.S. government Earth Day events and information. Site includes links to Earth Day events via the Earth Day Network, links to government web sites, and tips for taking action at home, at work, and in the classroom. It also includes a link to U.S. EPA's history of Earth Day.