It's hard for me to believe it has been almost 40 years since the first Earth Day, especially since I recall the first one in 1970. Of course I was very, very (emphasis on very) young back then so I have to believe the only reason I remember this day at all is because I was in New York City at the time. Our annual mother-daughters trip to the "big city" happen to coincide with history in the making.
Every year, my mother would take my sister and me, to NYC along with her friend and daughter to stay at the Waldorf Astoria (I'm still living down stories of playing hopscotch on the marble floors in the lobby) and to enjoy some "culture." These excursions always included a Broadway show or two, shopping at FAO Schwartz and dinner at Mama Leone's (we were fascinated with their year-round Christmas decorations almost as mush as we were with the waiters who never smiled but who were so tolerant of our childish antics). Sometimes we would go to a museum (boring!) or would venture downtown to people-watch in Greenwich Village or Little Italy (no SoHo back then). Our NYC trips were always major adventures. It was the one time of the year we could see, smell, hear, and touch a world so unlike our own small hometown in Northwestern Connecticut.
In 1970 our trip to NYC was especially memorable because it was the first time we had ever seen "demonstrators." Our mom held our hands a little tighter during this trip and we were ushered away from "those radicals." Who knew the first Earth Day would lead to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts? Who knew it would become the largest secular civic event in the world with over 1 billion people participating in events in over 174 countries? We certainly didn't. We just knew we had to get to the matinee box office by 1pm.
Politics aside, Earth Day is a good reminder to all of us to be kind to Mother Earth. A reminder which can hopefully keep us committed to taking steps year-round toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
This year I will be celebrating April 22nd in Maine. I'm sure I will spend part of the day enjoying the outdoors with Jack and Rose and part of the day remembering my Earth Day lasagna at Mama Leone's back in 1970.
Do you remember where you were on Earth Day 1970? Add a comment to this blog. We'd love to hear your story.
To find out more about Earth Day, visit: http://www.earthday.net/. Be sure to check your local papers and websites for Earth Day happenings in your area.
