Smarties, The U.S. Postal Service is at it again! Tomorrow they are unveiling their newest Forever Stamp Design and this time it is celebrating Earth Day! Here are all the details from their website:
*In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the USPS is “putting its own stamp on raising awareness of our environment and the communities in which we live and serve.”
*The new Earth Day Forever stamp will mark five decades of Americans coming together to celebrate the importance of protecting the environment.
*The new Earth Day Forever stamp will be available for sale nationwide on April 18.
* The Earth Day Forever stamp is being issued in booklets of 20 stamps.
* Art director Antonio Alcalá created the painting of Earth, using gouache on watercolor paper. The design features small green lines surrounding the blue planet. The title of the stamp runs across the top, and the words “Forever” and “USA” appear along the bottom. Ricky Altizer was the typographer.
* This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Earth Day Background & USPS Involvement
In the 1950s and 1960s, as the dangers of pollution were becoming a common concern, a groundswell of support began for a day to celebrate the planet. It gained further traction in 1969 after what was then the largest oil spill in U.S. history occurred off the coast of Santa Barbara, CA.
Soon after the spill, Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-WI), a conservationist who championed legislation to protect natural resources, resolved to unite the nation around environmental causes. Senator Nelson inspired thousands of people to organize environmental teach-ins at universities, schools and community centers around the country. April 22, between college spring break and finals, was chosen as the date for a national observance.
USPS has long been a sustainability leader through a variety of policies and programs, including recycling and renewable energy initiatives. The more than 630,000 employees of the Postal Service are “Putting Our Stamp on a Greener Tomorrow,” with more information available at usps.com/green.
Where can I purchase?
You may purchase stamps through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.
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