| OCR Text |
Show Earth Day increases people's awareness Monday, April 22 marks the 21st Earth Day. What was originated on April 22, 1970 has grown to proportions propor-tions few thought possible back in the early 70s. Last year's 20th anniversary an-niversary was marked by 100 million people worldwide, and it is estimated that an even higher number will take part in Earth Day 1991. Those in Davis and Salt Lake counties will attend or have attended attend-ed a host of events, from an Earth Day Fair at Trolley Square April a recent survey, 75 percent of Davis and Morgan County residents classified themselves as environmentalists. envir-onmentalists. Over half of the residents think the environment is the same or better than 21 years ago. Twenty percent say it is worse. If the majority is correct, maintaining a pollution equilibrium is a major feat in itself, as population increases 40 million in that time. GNP did the same. 19-21 to a "Reforest the Wasatch" tree-planting effort in East Canyon, where 6,000 seedlings will be planted. In Davis and Weber counties, home of the Davis County Energy Recovery District, the focus will be at the Weber County Fairgrounds, where exhibitors will display their earth-friendly wares, and speakers will detail how they turned the environmental en-vironmental corner in their businesses busi-nesses and organizations. The scene is much the same throughout the state, the nation and the world, as it seems the human race is becoming aware of its destructive habits and is trying to kick them, before it's too late. Much of the credit for the first Earth Day 21 years ago goes to Gaylord Nelson, then senator from Wisconsin, who came up with the idea for the event. Nelson's event is given credit for transforming a specialized interest in conservation into a pervasive, popular one. Initial momentum was strong, as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts passed Congress later that year. The Environmental Envir-onmental Protection Agency was given its birth shortly thereafter (soon to receive full cabinet status). A broad movement came into focus. Probably the biggest accomplishment ac-complishment of the environmental movement is a mental one, as the image of nature and how man should treat it has been radically altered. In that same vein, who , would have thought recycling would become more the norm than t the exception? Who would have thought the majority of Americans would come to call themselves "environmentalists?" According to |
