The preservation of the Earth’s resources is so important to the overall health of the planet, we have two days on the calendar each year to talk about it!

The celebration of Earth Day in the United States is traditionally on April 22; the day originated as a grassroots campaign called the “Environmental Teach-In” which took place in April of 1970. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, an environmental activist, and conservationist, had the idea for the educational initiative after seeing the impact of an oil spill, which devastated him. The event, announced in 1969 and promoted over only a matter of months, was a stunning success, with over 20 million participants nationwide. Nelson quickly saw the result he had hoped for – new legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act were all a result of the groundswell from the movement.

The less popular observance, called International Earth Day or Equinox Earth Day, occurs yearly on the Spring Equinox, usually on or around March 21. This holiday was also established in 1970 and was the idea of John McConnell, a local newspaper publisher and activist. He also first proposed his idea in 1969, at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. McConnell fervently entreated humanity to be accountable to the environment; by being aware and taking care of the Earth’s resources. McConnell believed that people across the world could come together to help protect the Earth. Later that year, the United Nations signed a proclamation declaring the March date the official international observance of Earth Day.

Every year on Earth Day, you can find many Minneapolis events to attend. Another meaningful way to honor the beauty of the Earth is to fill your home with spring plants that detoxify the air, bring serene ambiance, and even increase our level of productivity! Browse our website for a wide selection of flowering spring plants, or stop in to speak with one of our Schaaf Floral professionals. This Earth Day, adopt a plant!