761. Campaigns to save the earth and the environment were practically non-existent before the 1960s. Why do you think it took until then for people to protest pollution and to champion environmental causes?
762. The publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring warned the public about the dangers of chemicals in the environment. Have you ever warned somebody about something that was dangerous? Did that person listen to you? Why or why not?
763. Carson advocated for more natural as opposed to chemical ways to take care of problems like plant-harming insects. Imagine you decided to go chemical-free for an entire week. What are some things you'd have to give up? How would you successfully last the whole week?
764. Shortly after Carson's book was released, many environmental groups were formed in the government and in the non-profit sector. Create a conversation between two concerned parents who are considering a fundraising party for one of these groups.
765. A Wisconsin senator named Gaylord Perry was inspired by a 1969 oil spill to create what would become the first Earth Day in 1970. Imagine if an oil spill occurred in your town. How would the wildlife be affected? What would you do about it? Why?
766. The 20 million people who supported the first Earth Day led to the creation of new laws like the Clean Air Act. If you could rally a large amount of people to create a new law, what would it be and why?
767. Twenty years later, one of the original Earth Day coordinators, Denis Hayes, helped to build a worldwide celebration for the holiday. How do you think Hayes was able to recruit the entire world for the causes of recycling and the environment? Why might it be tough to get everyone on the same page?
768. Write a poem about your thoughts on nature and why a holiday geared toward the environment might be important.
769. Of all the environmental issues over the years, including chemical pesticides, oil spills, recycling, clean energy, etc., which do you think is the most important and why?
770. In 2012, Earth Day organizers launched an effort to plant one million trees throughout the world. How do you think planting that many trees would change the environment? Why?Use the above prompts or article as inspiration to write a story or other short piece.
