Do You Know Rachel Carson?

Posted March 17, 2009, 7:08 am


March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme, 'Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,' recognizes women who have "fought and succeeded in bringing the environment to the forefront of our nation's conscious." This year's celebration pays special tribute to Rachel Carson, the pioneer of the modern environmental movement.

Carson's bestseller "Silent Spring", published in 1962, documented the poisoning of the planet through the widespread use of pesticides.  It led directly to the banning of the chemical DDT, the creation of the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the birth of the organic food movement.

Carson's remarkable story has been adapted for the screen in 'A Sense of Wonder.' The film premiers March 27th in Manhattan and will be screened in 100 U.S. cities. It depicts Carson in the last year of her life (1964) as she battles cancer and the chemical industry in the wake of publishing "Silent Spring."  "This film is remarkable. You cannot walk away unmoved," stated Bill Moyers.

Carson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian by the U.S. government.

In honor of women who are doing their part to protect our environment, check out the following Growing Bolder stories and interviews:

Roz Savage Interview: This adventurer and environmentalist is rowing solo across the Atlantic and the Pacific to raise awareness about the plight of our oceans.

Bernie Morrow, Worm Farmer: This 70-something-retiree has become a worm farmer to help reduce landfills and raise awareness about natural fertilizers.

Betty Olds Interview: This 86-year-old climbed an 80-year-old live oak tree on the campus of UC Berkley to protest the university's plans to remove a grove of trees to make room for a $125 million sports complex.

Green Expo: Check out the women (and men) behind the effort to help businesses go green.



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