Happy Earth Day!

Today is the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day!

What began as a day to raise environmental awareness in the United States has now spread world wide to over 190 countries. In 1969, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conference brought to light the environmental challenges facing the world. The conference suggested setting aside a day to focus on the environment and what people could do to improve and sustain its health.

On April 22, 1970, Earth Day was celebrated in the United States for the first time.

Here are some fun facts about Earth Day for you to share.

• Former United States Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin is credited for founding Earth Day. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award for his work.
• Earth Day has led to landmark environmental protection laws like the Clean Air and Clean Waters Acts.
• The US Environmental Protection Agency was created following the establishment of Earth Day.
• The first Earth Day celebration in the U.S. resulted in 20 million Americans participating in peaceful demonstrations to show their support for environmental reform.
• In 2009, the United Nations renamed Earth Day as International Mother Earth Day.

Today, Earth Day is marked by people performing environmental service group projects, like planting trees or litter pick-up. Tell us what you’re doing to celebrate the day. Use the hashtag #EarthDay to share.

Happy Earth Day! And let’s make it Earth Day, everyday.