Earth Day has its roots in growing concern over pollution in the 1960s, when author Rachel Carson's 1962 book “Silent Spring,” about the pesticide DDT and its damaging effects on the food chain, hit bestseller lists and raised awareness about nature's delicate balance.

Earth Day is observed every year on April 22. It's a global environmental movement that promotes awareness and action to protect our planet through eco-friendly practices.

Ashland is a year-round Earth Day with "people who are creating organic, local, sustainable food, drink and music," said A Street Block Party participant Emily Simon.