Happy 40th birthday, Earth Day – you’ve come a long way

On April 22, 1970, more than 20 million people joined in environmental demonstrations across the United States. Colleges organized teach-ins to draw attention to air and water pollution, marching crowds took over part of New York City’s Fifth Avenue and Congress recessed to join in the activity, reports ABC News.

Since that historic day 40 years ago, eco-conscious people around the globe have helped improve the eco-outlook. According to Environmental Protection Agency figures, since the first Clean Water Act took effect shortly after the first-ever Earth Day, smog levels around the world have decreased by 20 percent and the amount of lead in the air is down by 90 percent.

Additionally, ABC News says the number of fish swimming in lakes and estuaries in the U.S. nearly doubled within 25 years of the first Earth Day.

The first participants in Earth Day activities demanded environmental change. Forty years later, Earth Day remains a day to promote environmental awareness, but the tone may is less riotous and more celebratory in light of increasing green habits.

While early Earth Day movements sought to reduce local pollution, people today are focusing more on building a sustainable society. The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide lists some of the most exciting 2010 Earth Day activities, and each offers a positive outlook for maintaining the planet.

According to the guide, London named Green IT Award recipients to honor those who are combining technological innovation and ideals of sustainability this Earth Day. Another exciting Earth Day 2010 event is General Motor’s release of a revolutionary electric car that will prove driving and going green are not mutually exclusive.

The dramatic shift from riots to product releases and green awards over the course of four decades indicates that the meaning of April 22 has shifted, as well. What was once a day to remind people that we risk destroying the planet has become a day to celebrate the fact that citizens of the world are increasingly carry the spirit of Earth Day with them 365 days a year.

Here’s to the next 364 days of green activities until we can celebrate again.

1. Green Movement Changes Meaning of Earth Day
2. Brighten the eco-outlook with 60 minutes of darkness for Earth Hour 2010
3. See Disneynature’s film Oceans and help save the oceans this Earth Day
4. Sesame Street Celebrates 40th Anniversary by Going Green
5. Rock the Earth.org: Defending the earth one beat at a time