The November prompt is Climate Change and my quilt is about Earth Day. The first Earth Day was in 1970 organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Congressman Pete McCloskey and activist Denis Hayes. Twenty million Americans participated in events that highlighted concern about the deteriorating environment. Earth Day led to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency and several environmental laws including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. Today Earth Day is marked by more than a billion people as a day of action to change human behavior.
Earlier in November I wrote a blog about my father’s approach to Earth Day – Every Day. As a lifelong boy scout, he was tending to the planet since he was a wee cub. Guided by the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, my father strived every day to leave the world a better place than he found it. He taught us to live more sustainably, to respect wildlife and the wilderness, to protect the environment, to conserve. Whether playing in our backyard or camping in the wilderness, we were always aware of ‘outdoor ethics.’ More than that, my dad empowered us to be the solution because when we all do our part, we keep the earth healthy and ensure that everyone is going to enjoy it for generations.
My quilt, Earth Day Every Day, is for dad. It’s made from scraps of fabric, old fancy dresses cut up and repurposed, and bits and pieces of cotton batting left from other projects. And, of course, it’s green.
Earth Day Every Day
Susan J Lapham
Dimensions: 30″ wide x 40″ high
Material: Commercial cotton, hand-dyed cotton, repurposed 1960’s fancy dresses, batting scraps, cotton thread.
Technique: Machine pieced, longarm quilted.
Thanks for teaching us about the history of Earth Day, I had no idea. Love all the greens in your piece, I can never make green colours look so harmonious!
What a great story. I already love your Dad! I remember earning my Girl Scout badges — I think the environmental one was called ecology. We’ve learned a lot about the harm humans are doing to the planet. I like the idea of each doing our part, as well as campaigning for the broader policy changes needed.
Wonderful story. I suppose it would have been good for all of us to use recycled clothing for our pieces. I didn’t. But I do remember “marching” with my elementary school class on the first earth day.
Thanks for the history lesson. Its good to remember our generation was active in more than just the Civil rights movement. Your quilt makes me think of traditional African fabrics.
Susan what a great idea to use leftover batting for this project. I didn’t know this day existed. Nice to know that now thanks to you.
Such a beautiful reminder of our need to protect our planet. I am currently working on a bed size quilt that has tiny pieces, so I can appreciate the time invested in your quilt. I love that it has dresses from the 60’s embedded.