Fun Facts About Earth Day

Earth Day was first conceived by Sen. Gaylord Nelson in the early 1960s. Nelson worried that environmental issues were not being addressed in the political arena. In his conservation efforts, Nelson organized a nationwide grassroots demonstration in the spring of 1970, to further promote conservation involvement and awareness. Support for and interest in the activity was immense and the 1970 demonstration became the first official Earth Day. The first Earth Day helped inspire the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts. Each year, April 22 marks the celebration of Earth Day, which is now observed around the world.

Fun Facts About Earth Day

• Earth Day Networks estimates that 500 million people from 4,500 organizations in 180 countries will participate in Earth Day events during the month of April.
• Earth Day is big with schools. On many school calendars, it is the third most activity-inspiring holiday, after Christmas and Halloween.
• Companies have even gotten into Earth Day. Last year, office supply store Staples introduced office paper made entirely without new trees.
• As part of the celebration, some communities make Earth Day a "Car-Free Day."

Earth Day Activity

Make a Recycled Milk Container Catch

What You Need:

• Plastic milk containers
• Sharp scissors
• Colored electrical tape or paint markers
• A small ball to play with

Instructions:

1. Wash the milk cartons and let them dry well before starting. Note: It may be easier to cut the bottom off the containers first.

2. Cut the milk carton (or detergent bottle) with sharp scissors. First cut off the bottom, then cut a U shape under the handle, so you're left with a scoop. Make sure you don't cut into the handle.

3. Decorate the cartons with colored electrical tape or paint markers.

4. Have fun playing catch and toss.

• By Ellen Neuborne