"The earth will continue to regenerate its life sources only as long as we and all the peoples of the world do our part to conserve its natural resources. It is a responsibility which every human being shares. Through voluntary action, each of us can join in building a productive land in harmony with nature."
-- President Gerald Ford Proclaiming March 21st as Earth Day
Earth Day 1999
Despite President Clinton’s claims, Earth Day is NOT on April 22. Just another example of not getting facts straight?
DATE OF EARTH DAY
From the beginning the proposal called for observance of Earth Day on March 21st, which is the Vernal Equinox. This is the moment when night and day are equal throughout the Earth -- reminding us of Earth's beautiful systems of balance which humanity has partially upset and must restore. From Humanity's earliest history people of many cultures have celebrated this day as the beginning of spring - symbolizing renewal of life. Three thousand years ago men built Stonehenge with stones arranged to measure the very moment of the Vernal Equinox. This day and its meanings touch humanity's deepest roots of being."
"The first celebration called EARTH DAY was initiated by the Mayor and city of San Francisco at the request of John McConnell, president of WE, Inc. (now Earth Society). Planning from October 1969 resulted in observance of EARTH DAY on March 21, 1970, the ay of the vernal equinox (also the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere). EARTH DAY was intende as a yearly event, to become global."
"We believe that in taking our cue from nature and using the equinox, a billion year symbol of unity and balance, we can eventually obtain a world community event uniting us in a common concern for our Earth home. The question then is whether a united effort on this yearly event will obtain more impact on thinking and action than the present divided efforts; that other environmental events should be given other names and complement, rather than compete with the efforts for a great global unity of mind and purpose on EARTH DAY."
"The nurture and renewal of Earth is our most urgent task. To this end we, individually and with the help of others, seek in our jobs, buying habits, travel, land use and other actions -- at home, work and play -- to respect and protect Earth's amazing web of life, its soil, water, air, plants and living creatures, to act as trustees of our portion of our planet."
"We believe every individual and family should have an opportunity for a stake in this planet, for a home, education and meaningful work; that in their personal Earth-stake, or area of responsibility, they should act, not as spoilers of Earth, but as stewards."
"We invite you to register as an Earth Trustee, to seek with us ways of living that will not hurt the Earth, but instead protect and nurture its beauty and bounty."
Exerpts from PROPOSED EARTH DAY RESOLUTION
by John McConnell, founder of Earth Day
Back to Recycling
Recycling and Related Links
