The International Holiday & Festival Primer Book 1

"Earth Day (p. 73-74)

In the late 1770s, the Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of the modern age of machinery. With the rise of steam power and the invention of industrial machines and engines, mechanization began spreading from country to country and continent to continent. In families where generations had farmed the land for thousands of years, sons and daughters left home for new jobs with higher wages in factories in the city.

Although the new focus on industry helped many nations grow rich, the revolution has had a serious side effect: pollution. Through their smokestacks, factories around the world have pumped vast amounts of poisonous gas into the air. Industries have poured tons of toxic waste materials into freshwater streams, lakes and oceans. For many years scientists did not know what effects these things would have on humans and their environment.

Another problem was the growing focus on consumerism which led to a constant demand for new goods. Consumers buying new products were producing more garbage and waste than ever before. Also, much of the earth’s natural forests were being chopped down to supply industries with materials, and animals were slowly being pushed out of their homes and their populations were being reduced. Mother Earth was quickly becoming a victim of industrial pollution and human neglect. The 20th century has seen the beginning of a new revolution. Over the first half of the century, people were becoming increasingly worried about the quality of their air, water and food.

Others tried to focus attention on the increasing number of animals facing extinction. By the late 1960s groups of concerned people around the world were spending much of their time making others aware of the serious pollution problems facing the earth. On April 22, 1970, the fight to save Mother Earth was given a muchneeded boost when the United States declared Earth Day across the country. The day was given official government recognition in an attempt to draw public attention to the problem of air and water pollution. One of the major issues raised was the need to conserve the world’s natural resources.

The day is now considered the unofficial birthday of the modern environmental movement. The first Earth Day turned out to be one of the largest mass demonstrations in the United States since the Second World War. Since that time, Earth Day has become an annual event across the U.S. and Canada. It is also observed in many other countries around the world. In June 1992, the very first Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro.

It was all part of the new ""green"" movement that started with Earth Day. Over 100 heads of state and over 9,000 worldwide organizations attended the global conference on the environment. The goal was to develop a plan to help end the destruction of nature around the world. Today people celebrate Earth Day in many different ways. Some plant trees and flowers, some groups organize cleaning crews to help pick up garbage, and others lobby the government to put an end to pollution. By lending your hand on Earth Day, you are doing your part to ensure Mother Earth stays healthy for future generations."