Monday is Earth Day, the largest secular holiday in the world. Earth Day is celebrated by hundreds of millions of participants in more than 192 countries across the world, including participation by most environmental activist groups and universities across the U.S.

Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson developed Earth Day in 1969 during his legislative tenure from 1963 to 1981. This was a time of protest and social reform as students and activists across the country, many of whom who had been involved in the protest of the Vietnam War, shifted their focus to the environmental hazards of the Industrial Revolution. 

A 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif., set events in motion that ultimately led to the creation of the first annual Earth Day on April 22, 1970. This marked a national attempt to spread awareness about pollution and the loss of the wilderness through a series of protests and teach-ins held at universities around the nation. 

Since then, Earth Day has spread to most countries across the world, but still sees a great deal of action at universities in the U.S. While most campuses no longer hold university-wide dedications for Earth Day, most collegiate environmental groups and government associations hold activities on campus for Earth Day. Wichita State is no exception.

Students can visit Ablah Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to participate in WSU’s Earth Day presentation. Students will have opportunities to learn about sustainable living, and community members who have taken steps to “go green” will be recognized.  At noon, there will be a ceremony to acknowledge office members on campus who have participated in the WSU Green Office Program, which encourages efficiency and innovation. Other activities will include music and informational booths and food. Students can also sign a pledge to “go green” and get information about decreasing their impact on the environment.