There is no movement that has made more impact on saving the planet as the Earth Day movement, started by John McConnell back in 1970. I remember vividly the first Earth Day. I was an undergraduate at the University at Albany taking Environmental Forum, an innovative project oriented course in the Environmental Studies Department (SUNYA canned the department in 1977 for being too active). I was only beginning to become familiar with a unique and endangered natural region known as the Pine Bush, and I remember being excited about the prospects of working on an exhibit about the endangered area. Fellow students Anne Dizard, Lou Ismay (teacher), John Wolcott, George Keleshian, and myself organized a guided tour of the Pine Bush for Earth Day. I remember people being impressed with the unique plant and animal community. Little did I realize I would spend the next 20 years fighting to save the area.
John McConnell is now 81, and still going strong. In case you think he only started Earth Day, here are a few of his accomplishments from his bio:
He recently created an Earth Magna Carta as a wake up call for people to become involved in saving the planet from a personal responsibility position.
In 1992, he discussed earth trustee concepts with Earth Summit delegates in the PREP-COMM Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development.
In 1980, he met with former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance to discuss the Iranian hostage crisis. He traveled to Iran and met with Mr. Gamaroodi, assistant to the President of Iran to discuss release of the hostages.
In 1979, he wrote the Earth Charter featured at the United Nations.
In 1976, he created the Earth Society Foundation with anthropologist Margaret Mead.
In 1974, he formed the Sea Citizen Committee with Ambassador Arvid Pardo from Malta and Senator Mark Hatfield.
In 1969, the year before he created Earth Day, he created the Earth flag. The flag was at the South Pole on Earth Day 1975.
From 1963 to 1969 he was involved with the Minute for Peace programs.
In 1960, he directed the 'Meals for Millions" program to help Hong Kong refugees.
After the launch of the Russion satellite Sputlink in 1957, he proposed creating and sending the visible Star of Hope satellite.
In 1944, he Met with senators to create a prayer room at the Capitol.
In 1939, he created the Nobell Research Lab with Albert Nobell and George Pepperdine to explore new, environmentally sound uses of chemistry.
You would think he would take it easy after all that, but not John. He is still writing and meeting with people about his love for the planet. In an attempt to reach even more people, the Father of Earth Day recently got his own Web site where he can post his writings:
John is continually trying to get influential people involved in publicly supporting his Earth Day principles. His most recent success was following the Yehudi Menuhin Tribute at Avery Fisher Hall. Lord Menuhin added his signature to the original 1970 Earth Day Proclamation that John had brought for him to sign. The original signatories include former UN Secretary General U Thant, anthropologist Margaret Mead, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, senator Mark Hatfield, and former President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. The last signature added (1995) was that of Yasir Arafat, President of Palestine.
Lord Menuhin provided a statement which will be an addendum to the Earth Day Proclamation and also be part of the Earth Magna Charta. The text reads:
YOUNG EARTH TRUSTEES
WHEREAS: The exercise of arts and crafts -- especially in the form of singing, dancing, mime acting and music-making -- is the most effective antidote to violence and crime. Let us ensure that every child from the very first year will NEVER be deprived of the aural and physical experience on which its whole life and the future of humanity depends."
This important addition brings music to the purposes of saving the Earth. John has written an Earth Magna Carta for "A world view, goal and agenda for the people of Earth that will provide a healthy, sustainable future." You can read the entire document on his web site. If you agree with the premise, you can become an Earth Trustee by signing an online form. You can also read how Earth Day was conceived, along with the other writings of John McConnell on his web site. You can even order one of his Earth Flags. John has given me permission to reprint some of his columns in The MESH, and we will do so from time to time.
©1996 Don Rittner