Earth Day

I see that Earth Day, April 22, is approaching. I’ve never actively participated in the numerous events that are organized to mark this day, but looking back over the years I can name at least three events that have given me a greater appreciation for Mother Nature and for protecting the environment: planting trees, recycling and a seeing a powerful little ad on TV. More on that in minute. Let’s first take a quick look at the history of Earth Day.

During the middle of the 20th century, as the world’s beaches, rivers, lakes and forests were becoming more and more contaminated, many people around the globe starting chipping in; doing their part towards cleaning up litter and pollution. By the mid-1960s in the United States, it became obvious to some individuals that more help was needed in the attempt to save the environment. One of these individuals was Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from the state of Wisconsin. His grassroots efforts involved putting a team of people together to spread the news: the environment was in bad shape and something had to be done. Some of America’s most pristine rivers were so full of garbage and oil that they were catching on fire! And the bald eagle, the symbol of the United States, was on the verge of extinction. Thankfully, their efforts paid off on April 22, 1970 when the first official Earth Day was held.

To chip in. Contribuir
Litter. Basura, desperdicios
Grassroots. A nivel local
Bald eagle. Águila calva
On the verge of. A punto de

Since that time there have been a lot of success stories to tell. The United States passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973 and soon afterwards the bald eagle -along with other threatened animals- were removed from the endangered species list. Today, more than 175 countries take part in Earth Day.

As I mentioned, my appreciation for the Earth’s environment is tied to planting trees, recycling and that TV ad…

As a kid, I used to tag along with my parents when they’d go to the nursery. It was a lot of fun running through rows and rows trees – like a forest in the middle of suburbia. After taking a look around, my dad would usually buy a couple of saplings and we’d go home and plant them right away. Over the years, I would help my dad prune the trees and watch them branch out and bloom year after year. In essence, I grew up with those trees and I still go back to my hometown to take a look at them. Today, the saplings we planted all those years ago are monstrous, healthy trees.

To tag along. Acompañar
Nursery. Vivero

Suburbia. Afueras de una ciudad
Sapling. Árbol joven
To prune. Podar
To bloom. Florecer

Growing up, my family didn’t recycle, but my friend’s family did. I had a blast. We used to take piles of old newspapers, jars and bottles to the community high school on Saturday mornings and chuck them into the bins. The best part was all that shattering noise the glass made. It was music to any 10 year-old boy’s ears!

To have a blast. Pasárselo muy bien
To chuck. Tirar

Finally, when it comes to respecting the environment, one thing that really sticks out in my mind is a television ad produced by the Ad Council in the United States. It speaks for itself. I remember how strongly it affected me as a kid. One moment I’d be watching a Bugs Bunny cartoon on TV after school, and then suddenly a Native American appears with a tear in his eye, saddened by what his land has become. I’ve attached the ad here.



Happy Earth Day!

Published by: Drew Crosby