On the 42nd Anniversary of Earth Day, Checking in With Its Founder

Greg Hanscom, senior editor at Grist, speaks with Denis Hayes, who coordinated the first Earth Day in 1970, when he was 25, about the big day, green building, and his prognosis for the planet.

1 minute read

April 22, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


In the decades since the first Earth Day, Hayes has continued his environmental crusade, not only by expanding Earth Day to more than 180 nations around the world, but also by acting locally, including his current role as president and CEO of the Bullitt Foundation, "a major force in conservation in the Northwest."

As he's currently engaged in constructing a "a new, uber green headquarters building for Bullitt", Hayes has become proficient in discussing the intersection between the built and natural environments.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 in Grist

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

People on mopeds turn a corner in Key West, Florida. A two-story bar is in the background.

$2 trillion in economic growth may hide in ‘micropolitan communities’

Small cities hold 39% of America’s population, but receive only 10% of U.S. venture capital investment.

45 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

Elon Musk's colossus data center. An aerial view of the massive facility.

'I can't live in this:' Mississippi town besieged by power plant noise

A plant powering Elon Musk’s xAI data centers is subjecting Southaven, Mississippi residents to ceaseless noise.

1 hour ago - CBS

A line of offshore windmills.

Battered from federal attacks, Louisiana's offshore wind industry refuses to give up

State Representative Joe Orgeron expressed hope that the state could revitalize its wind industry once President Trump leaves office.

2 hours ago - Grist