Monthly Channel Chat - April 2021 (Written by Erika Eaton, Central College Intern) Hello River Lover, This month we celebrate Earth Day which this year falls on a Thursday. April 22 is celebrated around the world to support protecting our environment. As we advocate for our rivers, we acknowledge the importance of Earth Day to educate and appreciate our beautiful and diverse Iowa landscapes. Starting in the 1960’s, Gaylord Nelson, now known as the father of Earth Day, had the idea to dedicate a day for environmental education. He understood that the amount of pollution to our air and water was happening without any consequences and he knew that something needed to change. While this was happening during the Vietnam War, Nelson wanted to use the passion from the anti-war movement to bring awareness to the environmental issues the world was facing. Finally, on April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million people in the United States marched and demonstrated for a healthy, sustainable environment. With this memorable day in the books, Nelson’s plan exceeded expectations and the United States now has the following laws to protect our land and water: - the Clean Air Act
- the Water Quality Improvement Act
- the Water Pollution and Control Act Amendments
- the Resource Recovery Act
- the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- the Toxic Substances Control Act
- the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act
- the Endangered Species Act
- the Safe Drinking Water Act
- the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
- the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
In 1990, Earth Day went global and is now celebrated by approximately a billion people from almost 200 countries. With 2021 being the 51st year of Earth Day how will you be celebrating? Here are a couple of ideas - Support our pollinators by planting native prairie plants
- Clean up trash in your neighborhood, local park, or while you are out canoeing/kayaking
- Use reusable materials
- Conserve water
- Reduce animal consumption by participating in meatless Monday’s
Until next month, stay well Sara Carmichael, Executive Director |