Medford Mail Tribune

by Dominick DellaSala

“We’re not the center of the universe; we’re way out in left field on a tiny dust mote, but it is our home and we need to take care of it.”  — Apollo 8 Astronaut William Anders, commenting on his December 1968 “Earthrise” photo, the first image ever taken of Earth from the moon

Rivers on fire, toxic chemicals and other environmental calamities awakened America’s environmental consciousness in the 1960s. Back then, Earth Day was born out of the passion of peace activist John McConnell and U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson and first celebrated in San Francisco on March 21, 1970. Comments from the Apollo astronauts helped to inspire changing public perceptions. Today, Earth Day is celebrated in more than 175 countries around the globe.  read more >