By Theresa Ficazzola
In the late 1960’s, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, a staunch environmentalist, was very concerned about the deteriorating environment in the United States. Inspired by student anti-war protestors at the time, he devised a plan for a nationwide demonstration that would “force this [environmental] issue permanently onto the national political agenda.”
As a result of his efforts, the very first Earth Day was celebrated in the US on April 22, 1970. Millions of Americans, including students at universities, participated in rallies and educational programs across the country. On April 22, 1990, the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, more than 200 million people in 141 countries participated in Earth Day celebrations.
Philosophers, authors, celebrities, public officials and advocates have been talking about the planet’s beauty and resources for years—many even before our earth was in trouble. Here’s just a brief glimpse into those personal thoughts. Perhaps some of these quotes may inspire you to think and act differently this Earth Day.
Earth Day Quotes
“Earth Day should encourage us to reflect on what we are doing to make our planet a more sustainable and livable place.” – Scott Peters
“If we are ever to halt climate change and conserve land, water and other resources, not to mention reduce animal suffering, we must celebrate Earth Day every day – at every meal.” – Ingrid Newkirk
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
“Climate Change is real. It is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.” – Unknown
“There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet.” – Brooke Medicine Eagle
“… do something. Pay your rent for the privilege of living on this beautiful, blue-green, living Earth.” -Dave Foreman
“Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place you must find.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” – John Muir
“Man is still the greatest miracle and the greatest problem on this earth.” – David Sarnoff
“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” – Gaylord Nelson
“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.” – Barbara Ward
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” – Indigenous proverb
“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.” – Indigenous saying
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein
“The good man is the friend of all living things.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“If you can’t be in awe of Mother Nature, there’s something wrong with you.”- Alex Trebek
“When we honor the earth, we honor ourselves.” – L.M. Wilde
“On Earth Day, we celebrate all the gifts the world and nature make available to us. We recognize our complete dependence on its bounty. And we acknowledge the need for good stewardship to preserve its fruits for future generations.” – John Hoeven
Consider Going Green with Solar
One significant thing you can do to help the planet is to install rooftop solar panels on your home in New York or New Jersey. By generating your own electricity from the sun, you can help Mother Earth…and save money on your electric bill.
As Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in this world.” Contact SI Solar today for a no-obligation solar assessment and contribute to changing the world.
