Every April, we celebrate a very special day called Earth Day. This day is celebrated internationally to bring attention to the connections between us, and our environment. We are learning that each and every day of the year is an opportunity to celebrate and care for the Earth.
Earth Day Celebrations are a great reminder of our responsibility to the natural world. We can learn new ways to care for our planet, and get information to inform the decisions we make at home, school and work that affect the environment. The more we know about these issues, the more we can make take responsibility for our actions and make a positive difference every day. Little choices can make a big difference to the environment.
About Earth Day
There are two Earth Days.
The United Nations celebrates Earth Day around the world on the March Equinox every year. This Earth Day observance was founded by peace activist, John McConnell, in 1969.
The first Earth Day in the United States was celebrated on April 22nd in 1970. Gaylord Nelson, a Senator from Wisconsin is widely credited with proposing the first Earth Day, which drew the participation of about 20 million Americans, and the activism of thousands of colleges and universities.
April is becoming known as “Earth Month” – a combination of the two original Earth Day celebrations, and other environmental events in April, such as National Environmental Education Week, International Dark Sky week, John Muir Day and Arbor Day.
Earth Day is now observed across the globe, with thousands of celebrations planned in schools, communities, villages and cities everywhere. More than one billion people participate in Earth Day activities worldwide!
This year is the second year of a two-year program called “The Green Generation”. The Green Generation includes everyone around the world who is involved in activities and practices building toward a healthy, sustainable environment. This initiative hopes to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. This could be YOU!
What to DO on Earth Day?
Check with your local school, community group or online at Earth Day Network to find out what special events are planned for your area. You can also organize your own events, or gather your family and friends to participate together in an Earth Day project.
Here’s a list of family-friendly activities that can help us care for the Earth on Earth Day, and every day:
- Make an Earth Day Resolution to add one new earth friendly action to your daily routine. You might consider swapping all those disposable plastic bottles for a reusable aluminum one, or switching to canvas bags for shopping. Could you pack your lunch in only reusable containers?
- Visit a local community park, trail or beach and connect with the natural world. Pick up litter while you’re there. Take one bag for garbage and one for recyclables for proper disposal.
- Plant a native tree. Trees provide natural beauty, homes for wildlife and also help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide. Trees and plants native to your area require less water and are most likely to thrive.
- Join or Start an Environmental Group at school or in your community. Ask your Science Teacher or Guidance Counselor how to find a group or get one going.
- Have an Earth Day yard sale. Donate the profits to an environmental organization or invest in earth-friendly projects at home, such as landscape trees and plants or low flow shower heads. You could also donate gently used toys and clothes directly to a local charity.
- Plant a vegetable garden at home or in your community. Just a few tomato, pepper, squash, lettuce or cucumber plants can produce pounds of vegetables for your family this summer and fall.
- Research an environmental issue that interests you on the internet or at the library. Maybe you’re curious about what happens to the things you recycle, or you’d like to know more about protecting endangered species, or conserving energy. You’ll be surprised how often you can use and share what you’ve learned.
Links
- Earth Day Network
- All About Earth Day
- EPA Earth Day Take Home Kit
- Find An EPA Sponsored Earth Day Event
