It is hard for us to believe it today, but Americans in 1970 were facing an environmental crisis of massive proportions.

Water pollution was a huge problem – untreated sewage, factory waste and chemicals like phosphates flowed straight into many rivers, turning those rivers into a smelly, disgusting mess.

The year 1969 marked the famous “burning river” incident in Ohio. Oil and chemicals in the river lit on fire and in some places the flames leapt 50 feet or more into the air.

Air pollution from cars and factories was also a big problem. Cars had no emission control systems, and they all burned leaded gasoline. Smog was a curse in large cities, and tons of lead were being released into the environment.

We faced the pesticide and related mercury problems revealed in Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” Some bird species were being wiped out when their eggs did not form properly because of toxins in the environment. And political leaders were pretty much ignoring all of it. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) did not even exist.

On April 22, 1970, America celebrated its first Earth day. On that day there was an immense outpouring of support for the environment. It is estimated that 20 million people participated in the United States, and given all the problems it is easy to understand why.

For the first time, politicians saw just how important environmental issues were to the American people, and they paid attention. A wide range of changes soon followed.

Cars started using catalytic converters, positive crankcase ventilation systems, evaporative emissions canisters and unleaded gasoline. Factory smokestacks were regulated for particulates and toxins. A massive effort to upgrade the sewage treatment system and cut off the flow of toxic waste from factories helped the rivers. The pesticide industry saw much more regulation and many problematic chemicals were banned. The Environmental Protection Agency came to life and environmental standards got better and better. A few years later, the ban on Freon helped preserve the ozone layer.

Earth Day happens every April 22. It is a day to celebrate our planet and its environment. It is a day marked by celebrations, festivals and protests. It is a chance to think about things we can do to help our planet and make the environment better for everyone.