TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Earth Day turned 50 on Wednesday.
It’s an even marked by more than a billion people around the globe, in nearly 200 countries. But this year, it’s going virtual and one local university is taking you back in time.
Bringing awareness to environmental problems is the fabric Florida State University. Organizers spent the past year building a physical display that would be located in Strozier Library. But the coronavirus shut down shifted everything online.
An FSU graphic design student brought the exhibit to life with a groovy 1970’s layout and throwback color scheme. The collection is called "Earth Day 50: Environmental Activism at FSU and Beyond."
Back then, some of the biggest concerns were the use of pesticide, DDT and construction of an interstate canal in North Florida.
The exhibit showcases photos and newspaper clippings, telling the story as a tribute to students and alumni that participated in the very first Earth Day back in 1970.
“50 years removed, we may not know that piece of history,” said Elizabeth Swiman, the director of FSU's Sustainable Campus. “There are still people on campus who were here during that time, so it’s great to hear their stories about what was happening. It sort of sets the vibe of the era. But I also want people to find their place in the different ways to be an environmental advocate.
The organizers are crossing their fingers that once campus re-opens, they’ll be able to physically install the exhibit into Strozier Library.
If you want to check out the online version, click here.
