Background on Earth Day
Throughout the 1950s and ’60s, car exhaust, power plant pollution, and landfill-related smog blanketed US cities coast to coast, including Los Angeles and New York City. In the US, human-made sources emitted over 92 million tonnes of emissions of nitrogen oxide, non-methane volatile organic compounds, and sulfur dioxide into the air in 1970. Air pollution, especially at this severe level, can cause respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer. And is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions, like asthma. As a result, people in the US came together to protest pollution and demand a healthier Earth. Rgw Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created with the mission to improve the living environment.
Ways to Participate
- Plant a tree: You can plant a tree or flower in your house (make sure you did some background research about the plant before you buy it), or you can join many environmental groups to help plant the forest.
- Save energy: Turn off your electronic device when you are not using them.
- Ditch the car for a day: You can use public transportation or your bike to reduce the carbon dioxide emission.
Nature is such a beautiful treasure that we have to protect so future generations can enjoy that masterpiece. You can start today in your house!
