Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 as a way to honor the Earth and the concept of peace. April 22 was chosen because college campuses would be in session, it did not conflict with any religious holidays and it was late enough in spring that the weather was likely to be good. It is coincidental that it falls on the birth day of the conservationist, John Muir. It celebrates clean air, water and land.
“It may be hard to imagine that before 1970, a factory could spew black clouds of toxic into the air or dump tons of toxic waste into a nearby stream, and that was perfectly legal. They could not be taken to court to stop it.” EPA.GOV
Over the last few months, our team has been submitting data for our Cradle to Cradle re-certification. The data is compiled by MBDC and will then be reviewed by the Cradle to Cradle Institute. The recertification is for our Interior and Exterior Poplar Bark House® Shingles and Wall Coverings. Earlier this month I attended a meeting in Atlanta with the C2C Institute to discuss their anticipated Version 4 changes, the market value of the certification and moving companies toward the elusive PLATINUM Certification.
It would have been unimaginable in 1970 to foresee that in 46 years companies would be voluntarily working to create processes that enhance the environment. The Cradle to Cradle strategy is a method that aims not to do less bad, but to do all good for all life for all time.