Cooperative Living March/April 2020 - 36

KIDS! CLIP AND KEEP YOUR KIDS' KORNER COLUMNS IN A THREE-RING BINDER AND YOU'LL HAVE A NOTEBOOK CHOCK FULL OF FUN IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE FUTURE!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 WED
Kids'Korner | Story, photos and artwork by Anne M. Dellinger, Contributing Columnist
It's Earth Day's
Golden Anniversary!
H
Thankfully, some people were alarmed and upset about
the harmful effects of environmental abuse and decided
to do something about it. Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator
from Wisconsin, came up with the idea of having a special
day to focus on environmental awareness. He and his staff
encouraged citizens young and old to investigate harmful
situations in their own communities and then develop
their own responses on this day.
April 22, 1970, was designated the first Earth Day.
Across America, a mass movement began. Millions of
concerned citizens organized community marches, rallies
and educational programs. Students from grade school
to college level, along with folks from all walks of life,
shared their concerns about the health of the planet.
This spontaneous, enthusiastic response was everything
Sen. Nelson, the father of Earth Day, had hoped for because,
at last, the Earth's problems were in the national spotlight.
It wasn't long until
this day, help respect
improve the quality
Congress passed new laws that, to
and protect the environment and
of human life.
Earth Day 2020 ...
Still Going Strong
Fifty years have passed from the time of that first
Earth Day in America. Since then, it has grown into an
international global observance in more than 190
countries.
With a world population of more than 7 billion people,
there will continually be serious environmental problems
to tackle. If Earth is to remain a supportive habitat for
humans and other species, then there must always be
problem solvers ready to take action.
That means YOU and all the other young, future
caretakers of the planet, have your work cut out for you
... no pressure, of course.
Taking care of Mother Earth is a long-term, demanding
assignment that begins with baby steps.
Fortunately, some of today's environmental problems
can be improved by merely making a few small changes
in one's lifestyle.
As April 22, 2020, approaches, make plans with your
family to celebrate by practicing good stewardship at
home. Use these three Earth Day tasks as a guide.
34 | Cooperative Living | March-April 2020
co-opliving.com
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alf a century ago, the Earth looked rather sickly and sad. Brown, hazy
smog hovered above many cities. Floating industrial oil slicks caused some
rivers to catch on fire. Contaminated dump sites leaked toxic wastes risking human health.
It seemed that polluted air, polluted water and polluted soil were steadily poisoning Mother Earth
and her inhabitants!
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Cooperative Living March/April 2020

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