Earth Day The ultimate test of conscience may be a willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. —Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005), former governor of Wisconsin, founder of Earth Day We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do. Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance. The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment, not the reverse. When the last tree is cut and the last fish killed, the last river poisoned, then you will see that you can't eat money. When the well's dry, we know the worth of water. What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on? The air, the water and the ground are free gifts to man and no one has the power to portion them out in parcels. Man must drink and breathe and walk and therefore each man has a right to his share of each. Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. We will look upon the earth as being with us, not for us. Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. |
It is an era dominated by industry, in which the right to make a dollar at whatever cost is seldom challenged. ... The real wealth of the Nation lies in the resources of the earth — soil, water, forests, minerals, and wildlife. To utilize them for present needs while insuring their preservation for future generations requires a delicately balanced and continuing program, based on the most extensive research. Their administration is not properly, and cannot be, a matter of politics. ... ― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, 1962 |
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