Today is April 22nd, also known as Earth Day! Now is your chance to help do your bit and celebrate our beautiful planet.
What Is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a specific Day which is designed to help us express our appreciation of the Earth, and raise our awareness of the issues and problems which threaten to harm it. It is marked by over a billion people all across the world, and is an amazing chance to think about the ways in which we can all do our bit for the planet.
How Did It Start?
2020 is actually the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, so it is an extra special occasion! The idea started in 1970, when an American senator named Gaylord Nelson became concerned about the state of the environment in the USA. In 1969, a massive oil spill in California devastated local wildlife and ecosystems, and Senator Nelson was determined to make a change.
He organised a ‘teach-in’ on university campuses across the country, and picked April 22nd as it was a weekday, so plenty of students would be in school. He and Denis Hayes, an environmental activist, worked to organise and promote events raising awareness of the importance of caring for our planet, and the threats to the environment. The idea caught fire, and Earth Day was born.
What Are The Impacts?
As well as becoming a major national event each year, the Earth Day of 1970 is also credited with helping to pass key legislation such as the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act – all very important for helping to keep our planet safe.
How Can I Participate?
There are plenty of ways you can take part in Earth Day, but the most important is to be aware. Make sure that you know different ways to care for and protect our planet, such as:
- Reduce your consumption of single-use plastics – take your own bag to the supermarket
- Minimise your carbon footprint; try to walk instead of drive where possible
- Shop locally to support local businesses and reduce the pollution which comes with food production
- Respect the rules of the countryside – only walk on designated footpaths, close gates, and never disturb nesting birds
- Try going plant-based for one meal a week
- Raise awareness with your friends to help others protect the Earth
- Try growing your own fruits and vegetables – you can even use scraps from a meal you have already enjoyed!
We all have a responsibility to protect our planet, so let’s make the most of Earth Day!
