The Evolution of Earth Day Participation, by EcoGoodz, a credential clothing supplier

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, in the United States. It began as a “movement [that] gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy toward environmental issues” (source). 20 million people across the US participated in the first Earth Day celebration, which was about 10% of the country’s population at the time. Twenty years later, in 1990, Earth Day went global and was celebrated by 200 million people in 140 nations (source). By 2013 the movement had grown to more than 1 billion people in 180 countries (source).

Participation today is fifty times what it was 46 years ago in its inaugural year. That is marvelous progress! Fifty years ago environmental awareness wasn’t a part of the collective conscious. Thanks to a handful of forward-thinkers, including Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, today it is. Just imagine what progress we’ll make in the next fifty years!

The takeaway here is that there is hope. In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

—

Credential clothing is an important part of the world’s used clothing market. At first glance, it may not seem to have much to do with Earth Day, but it does. The manufacture of new textiles is a labor- and resource-intensive process. Therefore the more we can utilize credential used clothing, mixed rags, and used paired shoes, the less we’ll have to manufacture from raw materials, thereby benefiting the environment. Remember to always donate your gently used clothing and shoes, or recycle worn and torn items. Working together, we can make a difference in this world!