Earth Day 1970, and what you might have worn

On April 22, 1970, with a growing concern for the degradation of the natural world already sweeping the country, Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson's idea of a teach-in for the environment grew into Earth Day, a day for understanding the environmental issues confronting the planet.

Unofficial Earth Day flag, by John McConnell: the Blue Marble (NASA photo) on a blue field

According to the Wikipedia article on Earth Day, over 20 million people participated in the first year, and Earth Day is now observed on April 22 each year by more than 500 million people and several national governments in 175 countries.

Approximately 7,000 people gather on Independence Mall in Philadelphia on the first Earth Day (photo from nationalgeographic.com)

Manhattan filled with pedestrians for a vehicle-less 2 hours on the first Earth Day (photo from NYDailyNews.com)

One of the embroidery patterns from a 1970-71 McCall's Needlework & Crafts magazine

Looking back to 1970 this week, I am featuring vintage items that date from 1970 and a few years before or after.

Sheer butterfly caftan

Greek-made macrame sandals

Crinkled gauze top

Lilly Pulitzer flower, fruit and vegetable-print dress

Hot pink and tan Darwin fish wrap skirt

Big owl pendant with black glass eyes

Mexican hand-embroidered cotton dress

April 22 is also the day I started denisebrain, one dozen years ago today. I think this even more today: Vintage clothing is recycled clothing and helps the Earth...in style!