May 19, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
A Brief History of Earth Day
News
April 23, 2025
A Brief History of Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated each April and draws attention to a range of issues affecting the environment. Earth Day aims to raise awareness in the hope of inspiring change.

Earth Day is celebrated each April and draws attention to a range of issues affecting the environment. Earth Day aims to raise awareness in the hope of inspiring change.

Earth Day is observed on April 22. According to National Geographic, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson was inspired to begin a national celebration uniting the environmental movement after witnessing environmental activism in the 1960s. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day. Twenty million people participated in events across the United States and strengthened support for environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Earth Day was expanded to a global initiative in 1990 under guidance from Hayes. Nearly 200 million participants in more than 140 countries now join together in the name of protecting the planet. Awareness continues to be raised each year regarding renewable energy and climate change. One of the hallmarks of Earth Day celebrations is the planting of trees. Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees are cut down each year across the globe. By planting a tree every Earth Day, people can make a difference. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen and bolster ecosystems for wildlife. Shade trees can reduce reliance on fans and air conditioning systems.

The main message of Earth Day 2024 is the need to commit to ending reliance on plastics, says EarthDay.org. The goal is a 60 percent reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Plastics are bad for the environment a growing body of research indicates they have an adverse effect on the major systems of the body, including immune, respiratory, digestive, and hormonal systems.

Everyone can do their part to promote the ideals behind Earth Day. For 54 years, millions of people have been advocating for change to benefit the planet and human and animal health, and that fight is ongoing.

Voters approve GCTC millage proposal
A: Main, Main...
Voters approve GCTC millage proposal
May 18, 2025
Okmulgee County voters delivered decisive outcomes in two key elections Tuesday, approving the Green Country Technology Center (GCTC) building fund millage proposal and selecting Republican Bryan Loga...
this is a test
HPS advances key staffing, contracts and projects at May meeting
A: Main, Main...
HPS advances key staffing, contracts and projects at May meeting
May 17, 2025
The Henryetta Board of Education tackled a packed agenda Monday evening during its regular May 13 meeting, addressing personnel decisions, infrastructure partnerships and program renewals as the distr...
this is a test
County honors its finest at annual banquet
A: Main, Main...
County honors its finest at annual banquet
May 16, 2025
The Elks Lodge #1822 in Okmulgee once again opened its doors with pride, gratitude and respect as they hosted the annual Law Enforcement and First Responders Banquet on May 10. The event, which has be...
this is a test
A: Main
Supt. Price reflects on busy end of school year
May 16, 2025
As Henryetta Public Schools approaches the final days of the 2024-25 academic year, Superintendent Jason Price offered words of reflection and encouragement to students, staff and the community.In his...
this is a test
A: Main
Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign reminds drivers to buckle up
May 16, 2025
Starting May 19, law enforcement across Oklahoma will be looking for seat belt violations.The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oklahoma Highw...
this is a test
A: Main
AEB to host fraud prevention training sessions
May 16, 2025
American Exchange Bank is organizing a community- focused scam and fraud prevention training on Thursday, May 22, offering local residents the opportunity to learn how to protect themselves and their ...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Martha Jo Whitworth celebrated for lifetime of creativity
A: Main
Martha Jo Whitworth celebrated for lifetime of creativity
May 16, 2025
The heart of Henryetta’s Main Street shined a little brighter this past weekend as Bear Bottom Antiques unveiled a stunning tribute to one of the community’s own treasures, Martha Jo Whitworth. At 89 ...
this is a test
The Light on Lavender Street
News
The Light on Lavender Street
May 16, 2025
Mary Ray Stephenson sat in the backyard of the house she and Wilbur bought in 1958, the same white clapboard home on lavender street in Schulter, Oklahoma where she had watched the world change from h...
this is a test
News
Morris Council tackles items at meeting
May 16, 2025
In a comprehensive city council meeting that addressed multiple critical municipal issues, local officials demonstrated their commitment to community development, infrastructure improvement and fiscal...
this is a test
Funeral Preplanning Tips
News
Funeral Preplanning Tips
May 16, 2025
Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming and emotional process. However, preplanning your own funeral or that of a loved one can help alleviate stress during a difficult time. Here are some helpful t...
this is a test
News
Beggs School: The Early Days of a Proud Tradition
May 16, 2025
Gabrielle Spencer-Ginn Special to the TimesLast year, we took a look back at the cherished traditions of the Beggs alumni banquets. Today, let’s travel even further into the past - to the very roots o...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy