Every April 22 marks the anniversary of the beginning of the environmental movement in 1970. Inspired by student anti-war protests and concerned by environmental pollution, U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson Wisconsin tapped U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey California to co-chair a movement for teach-ins on college campuses. They enlisted the help of activist Dennis Hayes, to organize the teach-ins. He also formed a national network to promote similar events. The first Earth Day moved 20 million Americans to peacefully protest the environment’s deterioration.
Today, Earth Day is one of the most recognized observances worldwide and is designed to push people to plan celebrations and generate national and local policy changes to help ensure a safe, healthy and clean planet for future generations.
In fact, environmental sustainability is one of Oakland County’s 8 Strategic Goals.
“Oakland County seeks to protect the environment, reduce carbon pollution, keep our water and lakes safe, and conserve natural resources.”
The Office of Sustainability is leading the county’s efforts to protect drinking water, reduce the county government’s own emissions and energy use, and promote cleaner transportation alternatives.
You, too, can make a difference by participating in an Earth Day event near you or adding your own event to the map.
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