When I was teaching, we celebrated Earth Day in a big way. There were different iterations over the years. When my best friend took it over, it became stellar! She would spend weeks, setting up speakers and activities for all of the kids to do. For a couple of years, it was the entire day. Of course, we had those teachers who complained they weren’t getting enough time with their students to accomplish anything. They were also the teachers who ended Halloween parties and the Halloween party, of course! But, I digress.
The day…
The one thing all the teachers loved was being able to wear jeans or shorts if it was warm enough. By that time, we all had Roanoke tees or sweatshirts so we would wear those, too. Kristin, my bestie, would organize several different speakers. One that I always remembered was the woman who took in injured birds and rehabilitated them. She would release them back into the wild if at all possible. She would come and speak about a particular kind of bird or group of birds. I loved when she talked about owls and kestrels. Then, if we were lucky, she’d bring one of her avian friends with her and demonstrate different things about that bird. This would be a bird that wasn’t able to be released and had become, basically, domesticated through years of living with her.
Space…
This isn’t about outer space but about the space in which this all happened. Each classroom would be assigned a speaker or activity. When I was a special education teacher, I would be placed in a classroom with an activity to teach the kids. That way, the teachers moved with their classrooms. Kristin also planned outside activities that could be transferred to the gym, if necessary. Again, some teachers grumbled about their classrooms getting messed up because desks or tables would have to be moved out of the way. I tell ya…some people are never happy! I didn’t have to worry about that when I was a spec ed teacher as I only had a little bitty room or a closet if I was lucky. When I taught fourth grade (best grade ever), I’d have my kids get the furniture arranged the afternoon before so there wasn’t any mayhem the next morning…hahaha!! There was always mayhem in my classroom…mainly caused by me!
Parents…
We had very involved parents at Roanoke. They would show up for anything and everything. If you were lucky, you got parents who would actually help. If you weren’t, you’d get the moms who would group together and talk smack about this, that, and the other thing! Think I’m kidding? Not in the least! The worst thing was they would try to get you (meaning me) involved in their gossip. That was always tough because I didn’t want to ignore those parents (they had quite the network), but in no way did I want to partake in their conversations. If I did that, then y’all know what would happen, right? “Well, Mrs. Banks said…” So, it was a fine line you had to walk with parents. For the most part, though, we had wonderful parents. Ask for a dozen cookies, and you’d get three dozen, intricately frosted and delicious! For Earth Day, some would even man the different stations. Some of them even had expertise in one field or another.
Earth Day…
So, what is Earth Day anyway? Well, it all started back in 1962 when Rachel Carson published Silent Spring. “The book represented a watershed moment, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries as it raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health. Just seven years later, an oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara drew the attention of the junior Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson. “Inspired by the student anti-war movement, Senator Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a teach-in on college campuses to the national media, and persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair.”
A little more…
Nelson persuaded a young activist named Denis Hayes to organize campus teach-ins as well as figuring out ways to reach a broader audience. The duo chose April 22 because it was a weekday that fell between Spring Break and Final Exams. They hoped that date would maximize the involvement of the students on various campuses. Eventually, Hayes built a national staff of 85 people. They promoted activities and events all across the country. Their efforts soon included all kinds of organizations, faith groups, and others. They changed the name to Earth Day. This, of course, caught the media’s attention and inspired 20 million Americans (10% of the population of the US at that time) “to demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development which had left a growing legacy of serious human health impacts.”
Still more…
During that time, there had been several groups fighting against oil spills, pollution from factories and power plants, raw sewage being dumped into rivers and streams, and so much more. That first day was a remarkable day for several reasons including “support from both Republican and Democrats as well as rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, business and labor leaders.” That first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as the passage of “other first-of-their-kind environmental laws, including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act. Two years later congress passed the Clean Water Act.”
Finally…
While the original Earth Day was held in the United States, the movement for cleaning up the planet soon became international. During the 1980s, international policies were being changed. Environmental leaders wanted Denis Hayes to organize another big campaign for the entire planet in 1990. And, that’s when Earth Day went global, “mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to recycling efforts worldwide and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It also prompted President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest honor given to civilians in the United States — for his role as Earth Day founder.” You can read so much more here.
Source…
The outfit…
It isn’t often these days that I wear just a dress with some jewelry. But, when the dress is as unique and fun as this one is, there’s no need for anything extra! Let me introduce you to the Lexi Dress in Murphy Seersucker from Tulip Clothing! I was thrilled when Debbie reached out to me on Instagram and asked me to pick out a couple of things. She didn’t ask for anything in return. When something ticks all the boxes, though, you want to share it, right? First, this dress is easy peasy. Just slip it on over your head. No messing with zippers or buttons or anything. Second, it has that funky handkerchief kinda hemline that makes my heart beat just a little faster. Next, it has this really cool stitching in the front…kinda like pintucking that creates such an unusual silhouette and movement. Then, it has pockets. Now, you do have to search for them because they’re blended so well into the dress. It’s seersucker, my friends! Seersucker!!! Let’s make that a trend, shall we? Oh, and did I mention it has pockets? Could you zhuzh it up a bit? You sure could, but I don’t know why you’d want to! Although, I could see wearing it this fall with a long sleeve tee and leggings or tights underneath.
The Lewk!
This may be the third or fourth summer for these Willow sandals from Eileen Fisher. I bought mine at Nordstrom, but they don’t have them online anymore. They are spendy, but I think my CPW is very low because I wear them all the time in the spring and summer. They are a good neutral as well as being super comfortable. Everything else is on its repeat years, too. The necklaces are from J Jill. I seem to always wear these together. The earrings are from the museum gift shop.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I try to do my part to help our planet. I drive a small car that gets good gas mileage. I recycle almost everything. Our garbage can is rarely even a quarter of the way full. I try to buy things that aren’t over packaged. And, because I’m cheap, I turn the heat down and the AC up. I think, given that leaders around the globe can’t get their acts together, it’s up to all of us to do our parts. That’s what led to so much change back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. So, can we talk? Do you celebrate Earth Day? What activities have you participated in? What do you do to help our planet? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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Thank you Marsha, I was unaware of the origins to Earth Day.
You’re welcome, Rosie! I had no idea, either!
I’ve never thought about the sheer history behind holidays in general, and definitely not Earth Day. I hope we as a collective can continue to come together and champion causes that are so relevant to all of us.
It’s fun hearing how you all celebrated Earth Day. I remember an odd tree planting in my childhood. 🌳
Thanks, Edi! We had a blast when we would celebrate Earth Day as it wasn’t always on the exact day due to the schedules of presenters. I think the kids in third grade got little trees on Arbor Day. I received one and planted it in our backyard up north. It got to be quite large until the new owners cut it down. It was a beautiful tree…le sigh!
Earth day wasn’t celebrated when I was young and I wasn’t aware of it when my kids were at school so yesterday (22n) actually passed by without me noticing it. But I bet it is celebrated in schools now. And good for those who did know and celebrated it. We all have to do our bit. However, I am very much of the opinion that there should be far more regulations around carbon emissions and fossil fuels. We can all do our bit but for the sake of my grandchildren and all children. there needs to be huge reductions in our usage of these.
Your dress is delightful and I can see it will be great in the hot weather. We are having some lovely sunny days now but there’s always a cold wind as well which catches you unaware as you walk outside – it’s still quite brrrr!
Thank you, Penny! It has been quite warm here and then suddenly chilly again. I agree 100% on fossil fuels, but the current government over here doesn’t appear to feel the way I do. We didn’t celebrate Earth Day when I was a kid, either. I don’t think my own kids did much. But, my school went all out!
That is a lovely outfit! I don’t have many memories of Earth day growing up. I kind of remember doing some earth themed art projects and reading books but that’s about it.
Thanks, Joanne! I’m glad you have some memories of this “holiday.” They sound like good ones!
I have so many Earth Day memories from when I worked in a brick and mortar school. Some teachers were so passionate about it and it was nice to see! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
xo,
Kellyann
You’re welcome, Kellyann! I remember, at my first teaching job, I had the kids bring in recyclables, and we made a big bulletin board about it. I don’t remember, now, what it was about, though! I am very passionate about recycling, and I will even dig things out of the trash bin that Mike puts in there (as long as they’re not soiled).
I couldn’t say that I’ve ever seen any Earth Day events, but since I usually stay away from groups, that’s not surprising.
We hear about it, though. Thank you for the background story!
Unless I shared a ride with someone, I usually walked or used public transportation (for my example my train commute for about 35 years, even in the short time I had my own car, I didn’t drive much at all). I don’t turn up the heat, but I have to admit that while I avoid using my mobile AC unit, I need my fans in summer to function at all if it’s hot.
Germany is famous for her variety of recycling bins 😂 but of course it would be better to avoid more packaging in the first place.
I’m not a fan of a handkerchief hemline, but I really like the dress itself. Pockets!!
Thanks, Cat! I do wish we had mass transit opportunities like you do in Germany and the rest of Europe. I think it’s just not a priority as well as being spread out over a huge country. I have heard of recycling bins that are very particular! Ours is not, though I would definitely comply!
I loved reading your recollections of Earth Day in the classroom and all the ways you and your colleagues (well, most of them) embraced the day! (I also had to chuckle at your comments about parent volunteers!) Sounds like your students had a great Earth Day experience! I hope kids these days are able to have similar experiences – they stay with you, that’s for sure! I love your outfit, too, from the dress to the shoes to the accessories! You wear it well, Marsha!
Thanks, Laura! I’m sure you knew exactly what I was talking about re: volunteers! We had an amazing turn out for Earth Day, and I do hope some of those lessons stuck with all of the students. I’m so glad you like the dress, too!
An interesting post about the history of Earth Day
I have no memory of Earth Day being celebrated in the school I worked in Marsha, but I know it is recognised in my grandchildren’s primary school.
As a family we try to do our bit, we’re all into recycling and reusing and I will try to buy most of my clothes at a Charity shop.
I do think it’s so important to recognise how beautiful and precious our earth is and I wish our politicians wouldn’t just play lip service.
Love the dress Marsha and once again you look very stylish.
Thanks, Linda! I don’t remember ever celebrating it when I was a child nor did my kids. But, we went all out for it at my school. I agree with you about the lip service. It’s a shame the politicians can’t seem the immediacy of the problem and act on it. I’m so glad you like the dress, too!
Is there anything more summery than striped seersucker?! Interesting to reflect on how much effort went into establishing Earth Day and environmental protection in general. (It’s striking to remember that there was a time when Democrats and Republicans could actually work together on anything, as with the two senators you mentioned.)
Thanks, Sally! I haven’t had any seersucker in years so I was so happy to receive this. I was so surprised, too, at how much it took just to get the first one going. And, yes, I remember those days when both sides of the aisle worked together. They need to watch some old videos, right? It’s frightening how many of the initiatives from then are being stripped right and left today.
This dress looks so comfy and unique.
I love Earth Day. My school growing up didn’t do anything for it, but I do remember my brother’s classes doing things. He is six years younger, so it seems like by that time they got their act together. Your celebrations sound so fun!
Thanks, Erin! We had a blast celebrating Earth Day! We didn’t always have it on the exact day due to schedules for the presenters. I think the kids all enjoyed it, too!
First off that dress is the cat’s meow…it looks like linen???
We went to a bird sanctuary like your description, and it was so cool. They even had demos of owls flying, and they are silent….so amazing.
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! Nope, it’s seersucker! It does look a bit like linen. I remember taking the kids to those kinds of events. I think Miranda was called up on stage to have some kind of raptor land on her gloved hand!
Thanks for the great info on Earth Day Marsha! I really like that dress, it looks very comfy and cute!
You are welcome, Debbie! I’m glad you like the dress…it is exactly that…comfy and cute!
I grew up near Cleveland, Ohio … the city where the Cuyahoga River caught fire in 1969. Sparks from a passing train caused the oil-slicked, polluted river to catch fire!! I also recall seeing the purple and orange and brown smoke billowing out of the smoke stacks from the steel mills and auto factories throughout the area. Horrible stuff. So, I am very grateful for Earth Day and the wonderful changes it brought to save and protect our environment. The city I live in now (west of Cleveland) has been a designated Tree City USA for 33 years. Love it! I also love your dress and think it is one my favorites! It’s perfectly you!
Thanks, Beth! I didn’t know you lived in Ohio! I have been to Cleveland several times for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I remember that fire. It must have been so scary to see all of that going on. I, too, am grateful for the changes Earth Day brought about. There were a few smokestacks in our town, but nothing like you describe. I really do love this dress. It’s so comfortable, fun, and quirky…just like me!
I didn’t realize all this history behind earth day and am glad you shared it! Your dress is fabulous! I’m always a sucker for stripes!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! Show me a stripe, and I’m going to love it! I just love the front detailing on this dress. I didn’t know Earth Day went that far back!
Great post – and great dress. I thought you just got rid of your Clean Air and Water Act? Maybe mixed up on that.
Thank you, Lydia! I doubt you’re mixed up on that…lots of decisions being made here that are detrimental to our planet.
I would have loved teaching with you! I always liked it when I could take the kids outside or make learning more hands-on! My favorite was when I was team leader for 3rd grade and we had 2 great years with teachers on the team that got along (there were 13 of us) and we had a lot of fun!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you, Mireille! That means a lot! I loved teaching and figured it should be fun and not boring. My best friend, luckily, was my co-teacher. We worked together so well. We would get going and then have to rein each other in. It’s so good when you can add activity or music to a lesson. Thirteen teachers…that’s a lot. The most we ever had was four! Most years, it was just the two of us with 30 kids each!
I bet you were such an amazing teacher and loved by all your students! The dress looks so comfortable and effortlessly stylish!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks so much, Emma! I tried hard to be a good teacher. I absolutely loved teaching.