Why is Saving the Planet Suddenly In?

Explain this to us. Why did nobody pay attention to us in the 70’s when we tried to save the planet by recycling, planting organic veggies, learning from the Mother Earth News (when it was only available in paper,) and only having enough children to replace ourselves? Why does Wal-mart televise commercials saying we should each purchase energy-saving light bulbs and other gadgets when the company could easily afford to give each of us one? Why did it take Al Gore to make conservation viable and Ed Begley Jr. not a caricature? Why is this the first Earth Day that was made an issue of? Is it the Internet responsible? What do you think, Gear Livers?