Earth Day: A Time To Celebrate Progress
Thursday, April 22, 2010
ABERDEEN, S.D. - Today marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, and is a time many recognize the progress of the environmental movement. Earth Day began as a national teach-in about threats to our natural world. Since then, it has become an annual event observed around the globe.
Pete Carrels of the South Dakota Sierra Club says Earth Day has helped the environmental movement go mainstream.
"Environmentalism isn't such a mysterious thing anymore. People are looking more at environmental values as being things that are tangible and relate to how we live our lives."
Carrels says Earth Day observations over the years have helped people better understand energy sources and the clean possibilities.
"We're talking now about energy sources that are clean, and energy sources that are renewable. We're having serious conversations about fossil fuels, and despite the availability of coal, people are really taking a serious look at why coal is destructive and unnecessary. I think those are all reflections on the environmental movement making great strides."
The environmental movement can also take credit for healthier foods and products becoming successful in the marketplace, he adds.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…
Social Issues
A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …
Social Issues
Colorado is working to boost the state's agricultural communities by getting more fresh, nutritious foods into school cafeterias - and a new online …
Social Issues
Missouri lawmakers are concerned with protecting people from the potential risks of the increasing accessibility of AI-generated images and videos…