Earth Day, celebrated as the birth of the environmental movement, was launched as an environmental awareness event in the United States on April 22, 1970. Spearheaded by Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson and Harvard University student Denis Hayes, the first celebration involved 20 million people in “teach-ins” that discussed the effects of decades of environmental pollution. The event influenced the US Congress to pass clean air, water, and endangered species acts. In addition, Congress established the Environmental Protection Agency to research and monitor environmental issues and enforce environmental laws.

Earth Day celebrations continue to link millions of people around the world for the purpose of raising awareness and achieving local solutions to environmental issues.

The Community Environmental Fair can help answer the question “ What can I do?” by providing the opportunity for positive actions and results. The fair promotes alternative ways of consuming, personal wellness, living environmentally conscious, and encourages its participants to make daily and long-term choices that can positively contribute to a healthier environment. The fair also helps in broadening support for environmental solutions, rekindling public support and commitment, and involving a wide range of participants.

Although there are programs and resources providing year-round assistance and encouragement for people to make environmental “friendly” choices, the once-a-year activities give everyone a chance to focus on environmental issues and their impact on human health.