Over sixty years ago, Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring sounded an alarm about the devastating impact of pesticides on the natural world. Her book was the wake up call we all needed, the spark that ignited the modern environmental movement. Silent Spring not only led to the 1972 banning of DDT but resulted in new government policies to safeguard our air and water and, ultimately, our health. Eight years after the publication of Silent Spring, Earth Day was celebrated for the first time on April 22, 1970, by more than 20 million Americans passionately committed to protecting our planet. Today, the day of action is coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more than 193 countries. The theme for 2024, Planet vs. Plastics, is a call for "widespread awareness on the health risks of plastics and an urgent push for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution.” While prognostications for the environment may look grim, Earth Day affords us the opportunity to reflect, react and resolve to support the future of our magnificent planet while there is still time. Click here to learn more about Earth Day 2024. And, click on the book jackets below for links to our catalog.
“We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.” Barack Obama
“When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.” Alanis Obomsawin, Indigenous filmmaker
“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” Rachel Carson