History of Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day with these tips for helping our environment.
BY ROSE DAVIDSON
Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when a United States senator from Wisconsin organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, Earth Day was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe.
You can celebrate and protect the planet at the same time. Check out these Earth Day ideas to help save the planet any time of year.
BECOME A WASTE WARRIOR
A plastic bottle can take over 450 years to break down in a landfill. Before throwing something away, think about whether it can be recycled or repurposed.
The number of garbage trucks Americans fill each year would stretch halfway to the moon. Toilet paper tubes, made from cardboard, take two months to decompose in a landfill. A plastic bottle sticks around for way longer—it can take over 450 years to break down! But instead of turning to the trash bin, you could turn these items into an awesome telescope or a flower planter. Before you throw something away, think about whether it can be recycled or repurposed. You can also limit waste by reducing the amount of things you buy. For example, check the library for that book you have to read before visiting the store.
PLANT A TREE
Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees in the world are cut down each year, so help offset that loss by planting a tree of your own. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen for people to breathe. They also provide shelter and food for animals such as squirrels and owls. Depending on where trees are planted, their shade can even reduce the need for air-conditioning in hotter months. How many more reasons do you need to go green?
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS
Electricity can be made from renewable sources like wind, water, the sun, and even elephant dung!
Does that lamp really need to be on while the sun is out? Electricity doesn’t just happen—it has to be produced from things around us. A lot of times it comes from fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that contribute to climate change. But electricity can also be made from renewable sources like wind, water, the sun, and even elephant dung! No matter where it’s coming from, try conserving electrical energy by using only what you need.
LIMIT YOUR WATER USAGE
Turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth can conserve up to eight gallons of water a day.
It might seem like it’s everywhere, but clean, drinkable water is a limited resource. In fact less than one percent of the water on Earth can be used by humans. (The rest is either too salty or too difficult to access.) Turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth can conserve up to eight gallons of water a day. To help save even more water, challenge yourself to take a shorter shower (but still get clean!).
OFFER YOUR TIME
With a parent’s permission, volunteer to pick up trash at a nearby park, start a collection drive for recyclable items, or organize a screening of an environmentally themed movie. By getting involved and working with others, you’re not just helping the Earth—you’re making new friends too!
SPREAD THE MESSAGE
Talk to your friends and family members about what you’re doing and ask them to help. Need to get the conversation started? Get everyone together and reconnect with nature by taking one of our Get Outside challenges, or check out some other green tips you can share. The more people do, the better off our planet will be!
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our planet. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 and is now recognized in over 190 countries around the world.
On Earth Day, people participate in various activities such as planting trees, cleaning up litter, and organizing educational events to promote sustainability and conservation efforts. It is a time for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together to take action and make a positive impact on the environment.
Earth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of our planet and the need to address pressing environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation. It is a time to reflect on our impact on the Earth and to commit to making changes in our daily lives to protect and preserve our natural resources for future generations.
Earth Day: Celebrating and Protecting Our Planet
Introduction Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to promote environmental awareness and encourage actions to protect our planet. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural resources and addressing pressing environmental issues. In this essay, we will explore the history of Earth Day, its significance, and the various ways in which individuals and communities can contribute to the protection of our planet.
History of Earth Day
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, in the United States, as a response to growing concerns about pollution, deforestation, and environmental degradation. It was organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who wanted to raise awareness about environmental issues and mobilize public support for conservation efforts. The event drew millions of people across the country, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of key environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
Significance of Earth Day
Earth Day has since grown into a global movement, with over 190 countries participating in various activities to promote sustainability and environmental protection. It serves as a platform for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and take action to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Earth Day reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.
Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to the protection of our planet. One of the most common activities is tree planting, which helps to combat deforestation and create green spaces in urban areas. Cleaning up litter and participating in community clean-up events can also make a significant impact on local environments. Additionally, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by conserving energy, recycling, and using sustainable products.
Educational initiatives, such as workshops, seminars, and film screenings, can raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire people to take action. Advocacy campaigns and petitions can also be effective in promoting policy changes and holding governments and corporations accountable for their environmental impact. By coming together and working towards a common goal, we can make a positive difference in the health of our planet.
Conclusion Earth Day is a time to reflect on our relationship with the Earth and commit to making changes in our daily lives to protect and preserve our natural resources. By celebrating Earth Day and taking action to protect our planet, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us all join hands in this global effort to create a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable world for all living beings.