Gaylord Nelson, Wisconsin governor, U.S. senator and founder of Earth Day

“Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for other human beings and all other living creatures. Our goal is a new American ethic that sets new standards for progress, emphasizing human dignity and well being rather than an endless parade of technology that produces more gadgets, more waste, more pollution.” (From a speech, April 22, 1970, in Denver)

June 4, 1916-July 3, 2005