Earth Day: Fact or Fiction?

Earth Day was created by a Senator. FACT.

Gaylord Nelson, a Democratic senator from Wisconsin, after a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calif. in January 1969, had the idea to launch a nationwide, environmentally focused teach-in on college campuses. Nelson recruited Denis Hayes to help bring the idea to the public.

Earth Day is in April because of spring. FICTION. 

The date for Earth Day was largely dictated by the schedules of the college students Hayes and Nelson were hoping to engage. April 22 fell on a weekday during the school year—nestled between spring break and final exams, when the weather was mild enough to allow people to be outside.

Tens of millions of trees have been planted on Earth Day. FACT.

To combat deforestation, Earthday.org founded the Canopy Project in 2010 and has since planted tens of millions of trees around the world.

Earth Day went global in 1990. FACT.

The movement went global in 1990, after a group of environmental leaders approached Hayes to organize another major campaign for the planet, which mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries.

The honeybee population is collapsing. FICTION. 

The number of honeybee hives in the United States is at the highest level in 20 years. Although the percentage of hives that die each year has increased from about 20 percent to about 35 percent, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes beekeepers are replacing lost hives and increasing the total number of bees. 

One small thing can’t make a difference. FICTION. 

Earth Day is not only about environmentalism. It’s about looking at nature and seeing what you can do to keep it growing strong. It is different for each individual and all individuals should do what feels right for them. Small changes can have a big impact! Here are a few ways the Botanical Garden tries to make every day Earth Day.

• Conserve energy and reduce waste with a new geo-thermal heating and cooling system
• Support sustainable business partners in the community
• Help clean up the neighborhood and surrounding areas
• ‘Mother’ nature for future generations!

We hope you join us on Saturday April 19th for free admission to Earth Day at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden from 9 am to 4 pm. 

Find Your True Nature here in our always friendly climate!

FREE earth day download to color LINK

Resources: Time Magazine, The Daily Record, earthday.org