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Earth Day started as one of the most successful mass protests in U.S. history. Twenty million people took to the streets in 1970—and it worked. The EPA was created. The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act followed. Environmental destruction became politically expensive. So… how did we get from that to leaf emojis, green branding, and oil companies telling us they “love the planet”? In this episode, Nanette and Miranda dig into the surprisingly radical origins of Earth Day, how corporate greenwashing shifted environmental responsibility onto individuals, and why Earth Day feels increasingly hollow while environmental protections are actively being rolled back. They also speak with Misti Allison, an advocate from East Palestine, Ohio, whose community was devastated by the 2023 train derailment. Her story is a powerful reminder that one voice—when it refuses to stay quiet—can force accountability, expose systemic failures, and protect people and the planet. This isn’t an episode about guilt. It’s about power. And how Earth Day only matters when it becomes a demand again.
Want to Take Action? Start Here
You do not need to be perfect. You do not need to do everything.
You just need to add your voice.
Find & Contact Your Representatives
- Find your U.S. House Representative:
https://www.house.gov/representatives - Find your U.S. Senators:
https://www.senate.gov/senators - Find state and local representatives:
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Calling, emailing, and showing up matters—especially when environmental protections are under threat.
Track Environmental Rollbacks & Policy Changes
- Environmental Integrity Project – tracks enforcement and pollution data https://environmentalintegrity.org
- Inside Climate News – investigative reporting on climate & policy
https://insideclimatenews.org - PBS NewsHour – Climate & Environment
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/climate
Support Environmental Accountability
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
https://www.nrdc.org - Earthjustice (environmental law & litigation)
https://earthjustice.org - Environmental Protection Network (former EPA scientists & staff)
https://www.environmentalprotectionnetwork.org
Misti Allison
East Palestine resident Misti Allison says 'preventable accident' put a 'scarlet letter' on the town
- Misti Allison Testifies
- Misti Allison in Time Magazine.
- "We currently do not feel safe": East Palestine resident Misti Allison speaks to CNN.
- East Palestine resident testifies before US Senate committee: 'The anxiety is real'
- Misti Allison on LinkedIn
For full show notes included a linked citation list, please visit this episode page on our website at https://seriouslysus.com/podcast/make-earth-day-scary-again/↗
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