50 Years of Earth Day at UI

In the 1960s climate of protests and political activism, University of Iowa students were eager to raise awareness about pollution and environmental problems for the first Earth day on April 22, 1970.

"Ecology has become an issue of intense national concern. Although the University does not have crude oil slicks lapping at the banks of the Iowa River, students are showing concern for this pressing national problem... In the '70s increased awareness will hopefully be channeled into action."

In late 1969, the National Teach-In office penned an "Open Letter to the College of America" that outlined the objectives of the April 1970 teach-in, published in The Daily Iowan  December 30, 1969 :

"Successful teach-ins on all campuses on the same day will have a dramatic impact on the environmental conscience of the nation... We are convinced that, if young people put their energy, imagination and idealism to work on this issue, they will help write a bright new chapter in the struggle for a livable world."

In February 1970, students at Iowa began  calling for submissions  for the Earth Day teach-ins that were to "focus attention on pollution and environmental problems." The theme was "Can Man Survive? Man: An Endangered Species"

"The scope of the teach-in takes a broad, global view, ecologically oriented, including man as a part of nature, but cognizant of man's uniqueness as an ethical, rational being, whose technological genius must now be evaluated from new perspectives."

• "Air Pollution"
• "Water Pollution"
• "Solid Waste Management Treatment"
• "Pollution Media and Public Awareness"
• "Effects of Pesticides in the Environment"
• "Role of Law in Environmental Protection"
• "Political Problems of Environmental Regulations"
• "Role of the Law and Citizen in Protecting the Environment"
• "Technology and Human Respect"
• "The Automobile and Pollution"
• "Alternatives to the Combustion Engine"

The front page of The Daily Iowan on the first Earth Day featured the widely popular and newly created "Ecology Flag" that was created by Ron Cobb in 1969. Cobb's symbol combined the letters E and O, the initials of "environment" and "organism," with the idea of an ellipse and a circle. Below is Cobb's explanation of the symbol, first featured in the Los Angeles Free Press in the fall of 1969:

"Mary Croteau, director of the Iowa City Main Library, Monday stands beside a display of what she estimated to be 20,000 cans picked up from around the city to spotlight a local pollution problem. Residents collected the cans for the Library in connection with Earth Day today. The librarian said that about 300 books dealing with the environment have been checked out since the display went up about a month ago." Photo by R. Carl Greenwalt.

"Several University students have designated today 'clean up Coralville Reservoir Day' in conjunction with Earth Day Activities."

Businesses and corporations likewise understood the growing environmental decay and began urging consumers to properly dispose of their waste and not contribute to the growing crisis of littering.

"All of us hate to see empty cans and bottles lousing up what's left of a beautiful country. It's too bad packaging technology today isn't as exotic and convenient as the gimmicks and gadgets on the TV thrill shows; like you, we'd like nothing better than for every can and bottle to self-destruct. Someday, soon, things will be different, though...because we and a lot of other concerned people are all working on the problem in earnest. Meantime, there is a foolproof way to keep cans and bottles from cluttering up the countryside, and you can do your part: Please don't throw them there in the first place. Budweiser. King of Beers."

Given the growing interest and concern over environmental issues, the University of Iowa responded by creating new courses that dealt with the environment, highlighting existing courses that discussed the environment, and channeling their resources to address environmental degradation.

"This week this nation and university will focus on problems of environmental pollution and decay. It is essential that we address ourselves to this issue. The University of Iowa has the capacity to become a more effective force in the prevention of environmental deterioration. We are marshaling our academic resources."

"Currently more than one hundred courses are being taught relating to various aspects of environmental and ecological studies. More than 70 faculty members have responded to an inventory of activities in this broad area. The new clearinghouse in the office of the Vice President for Research has formed an Environmental Curriculum Steering Committee of faculty and students and a similar research committee.

"The University currently offers 111 courses related to environmental and ecological studies according to a list recently compiled under the direction of Duane C. Spriestersbach, vice president for research. Five proposed courses are also listed. Among those departments offering ecology -- related courses are:

• Engineering (23)
• Biology (17)
• Geography (12)
• Zoology (9
• Physiology (6)
• Economics (6)

Following the first Earth Day in April 1970, several environmental groups formed on campus and in the Iowa City community. The groups collaborated and aimed to educate citizens about "ecological problems and work for social, economic, legal, and political change." Groups included:

• Citizens for Environmental Action
• Citizens for Recycling
• Project Survival
• Zero Population Growth
• Student Committee on Pollution Education
• Project Green