So6ixAPRIL2011 By: Beth ann Ruble
So6ixThebigpicture
Earth Day...
Every day can be earth day!
Prior to 1970, it was perfectly legal in the United States to spew poisonous gas into the air and dump toxic waste into any body of water without recrimination. There was no EPA. There were no Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. After witnessing an enormous, brutal oil spill in California during 1969, then Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson knew that a nationwide grass roots effort was needed to curb the destruction of natural resources we all require for survival. As the late environmental activist Judy Bonds said, “There are no jobs on a dead planet.” Nelson modeled his campaign on anti-Vietnam protests commonly called ‘teach-ins’ where people gathered in groups large and small to exchange information and educate themselves about the issue. Earth Day celebrations have mobilized and inspired environmentalists all over the country. “It organized itself,” Nelson has often said of the movement. It also lead to the creation of the EPA and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Earth Day went global in 1990, with
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over 140 countries participating. In 1995, Gaylord Nelson received the highest civilian honor in the country, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. To combat climate change deniers and the deep pockets of the oil lobby, Earth Day 2010 came with a strong push for clean energy. This year in Oklahoma City on April 21st, thousands of 4th and 5th graders will attend ScienceFest at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Through interactive exhibits and animal feedings, the students will gain a hands-on understanding of how we can all help to conserve our resources. On the same day the town of Ada hosts a K-12 Earth Day Recycled Art Contest. All artwork must be made of eighty percent recycled material and will be held at the portico of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. Call 580421-8915 for more information. The Earth Day Birthday Sustainable Living Expo will be held at 1203 Sherwood Lane (formerly First Church of Christ Scientist) on Saturday, April 16th, brought to
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