About a week ago, someone from the Today Show called, trying to research a potential story. "When did Earth Day become Earth Week?"the producer asked. I wasn't sure but assumed it had something to do with increased public awareness and therefore marketing.
The original Earth Day was April 22, 1970, a day that led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and landmark environmental policy laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, The Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act, The Endangered Species Act. Forty two years later, Earth Day has come to symbolize the day (or week) we think about taking care of our planet.
Earlier in the week I was able to tag along to some of our events including ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a panel on urban conservation, and a high profile speaking engagement for our CEO.
But 'Superbowl Sunday' was yesterday, Earth Day. Like many of our colleagues across the world we were planning a big Picnic for the Planet event to encourage people to just get outside and enjoy, and celebrate our planet home that gives us clean air, clean water and the food we eat.
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We planned a fun line up for the day, worked with event experts, developed a robust cross promotional plan, crossed all the t's and dotted the i's. And hoped for "72 and Sunny"...
Though we've had amazingly lovely sunny spring days and a really mild winter, things turned yesterday and temperatures dropped to the high 40's, and we had a deluge of rain.
I kept a smile plastered on my face, though it was hard not to be disappointed. Earth Day was literally a wash. And yet...
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One of our bands, aptly named Sunny Weather, still rocked the picnic as if there was a crowd of thousands under the pavilion...
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People kitted up in rain gear and layers and came out anyway....
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Kids jumped in puddles, ran like cougars and 'Predator Olympics' went on...
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And we danced.
Grass, trees, plants and many happy worm-seeking birds, were also in attendance and delighted for some needed rain, as of course Earth Day is really for everyone.
As the band ended their set, the lead singer thanked everyone for coming, and acknowledged that while it would have been great to have a warm sunny day:
"We're not in charge."
Happy Earth Day everyone.
