Individual Action Matters

By Ashley V.

Every year, more than 1 billion people take action to help our planet on Earth Day.¹ Will you join this movement of changemakers? Many people think that individual action doesn’t matter, but I am here to tell you it does. Every person matters and your actions, support, and engagement can make a difference in the fight against climate change and helping our planet heal from our destructive tendencies. Don’t believe me? Well, let me introduce you to Gaylord Nelson, one person who created this global movement. 

Gaylord Nelson, a born and raised Wisconsinite, is the founding father of Earth Day. He recognized very early that technological innovation and industrial expansion did not have to come at the cost of social and ecological destruction.² His law degree and passion to speak out for the environment led him to political office, where he became known as the “Conservation Governor.” His work overhauling and expanding the Natural Resource Department for Wisconsin earned him national recognition, which launched his career into the Senate.  

At the Senate, he quickly realized that none of his fellow constituents shared his interest in protecting our environment, so he turned to the people. He created Earth Day so the public could come together and voice their concerns about their environment. When 20 million people participated in the first Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970, you can bet it got the Senate’s attention. 20 million people took individual action to make that first Earth Day a success. From there, politicians began to sit up and take notice when it came to the environment. 

Gaylord Nelson’s drive to push the environment to the forefront gave people the opportunity to express their concerns, and the government finally began to listen. This action paved the way for many important environmental laws such as The Clean Water Act, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Federal Pesticides Act, the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Education Act, and more.² One man’s dedication and drive made a difference, and 51 years later, we are still showing the government how much we care about our planet. 

To those who say individual action does not matter, I say what about Gaylord Nelson’s actions? What about all the other amazing environmental activists who continue to protect our planet and sacred spaces? What we choose to stand up for makes a difference, and I hope on this Earth Day, you will show your support.

Happy Earth Day Everyone! 

Sources:

1- https://www.earthday.org/history/

2 – http://www.nelsonearthday.net/nelson/