COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
How Earth Day Got It’s Start…
Earth Day is now a global event, but its origins are somewhat humble. Prior to the 1960s, awareness of the link between public health and pollution was minimal. However, according to EarthDay.org, the 1962 publication of Silent Spring by American marine biologist, writer and conservationist Rachel Carson was a watershed moment for the environmental movement. The book did much to raise awareness of the effects of pollution on public health. Indeed, the publication of Carson’s book proved a pivotal step toward the eventual establishment of Earth Day in 1970, which EarthDay.org characterizes as the dawn of the modern environmental movement.
How Electric Vehicles Are Helping The Environment…
Consumers increasingly are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) because of their perceived benefits to the environment and additional perks. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says EVs typically have smaller carbon footprints than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging. In addition, EVs can be more efficient in regard to energy use. However, it is important to note that mining the materials that are used in the batteries required for EVs can make the EV manufacturing process more energy-intensive than making internal combustion energy vehicles (ICE), according to Earth.org. The Internetwork for Sustainability says EVs and hybrid cars emit more carbon dioxide than traditional cars during production. The additional environmental cost of transporting these batteries also results in a higher carbon footprint than ICE vehicles. However, the EPA points out that the greenhouse gas emissions associated with an EV over its lifetime are typically lower than those from an ICE vehicle, even when accounting for manufacturing.
