With President’s Day right around the corner, we wanted to pay homage to some of the most eco-friendly commanders in chief in America’s history. As we look towards the future of our country and the planet, let’s not forget what we’ve gained from some of the greenest leaders of the past.
1. Theodore Roosevelt
“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources… Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
It is no surprise that Teddy Roosevelt loved nature. He was one of the first presidents to use his power in office for the good of the planet, by creating more than 190 million acres of national forests, parks and monuments.
2. Franklin D. Roosevelt
“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”
Teddy wasn’t the only eco-friendly Roosevelt to be president. During his 12 years in office FDR created the Civilian Conservation Corps, which planted trees, cleaned up rivers and streams and created more than 800 parks across the country.
3. Lyndon B. Johnson
“If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt… We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.”
Both Lyndon and his wife, Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, we’re advocates of a greener America. Johnson was responsible for the creation of the Wilderness Act of 1964, the National Trails System Act of 1968, and the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965.
4. Jimmy Carter
“It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature’s gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever.”
Jimmy Carter was one of our most environmentally-conscious presidents to date. Not only was he responsible for creating the Department of Energy, but he also installed the first solar panels on the White House.