Let’s Celebrate Earth Day!
Earth Day is a time to celebrate the earth by promoting environmental protection and recognizing its beauty. Every April 22nd, Earth Day serves to spread awareness about environmental issues like climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Earth Day began in California in April of 1970 when concerns about pollution arose after an oil spill in Santa Barbara. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson wanted to bring awareness to environmental issues and recruited activist Denis Hayes to assist in organizing a national demonstration. This date was chosen in hopes to maximize participation, including that from college students, so choosing a date that fell near the end of exams was intentional. The idea started as a protest against environmental neglect, leading to more than 20 million Americans, which was 10% of the total United States population, participating nationwide and was considered to be the largest single-day protest at the time. This led to the creation of key environmental agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, and policies including the Clean Air Act, which was passed the same year, and the Clean Water Act, passed in 1972. Earth Day expanded globally in 1990 and became an international event for 141 countries. In 2000, the use of the internet helped to incorporate digital organizations and grow activism, focusing on issues of climate change and clean energy. In 2016, Earth Day coincided with the signing of the Paris Agreement at the United Nations, linking the two events together. Today, Earth Day is observed in more than 190 countries, making it the largest secular observance around the world.
Show your appreciation for Earth Day by getting involved! Earth day encourages action, from individual habits to creating policies. Gardening projects, tree planting, energy conservation initiatives, and local cleanups are excellent ways to be a part of the physical effort. Attending environmental rallies and participating in workshops or educational activities can be a positive step in policy advocacy and awareness. Visiting parks, going on nature hikes, visiting eco-friendly markets, and spending time outside are more amazing ways to celebrate Earth Day this year!
Check Out These Events!
4/22 – Back to Earth Compost Crew Sustainability Marketplace
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1248601047430188&set=a.396497785973856
4/25 – Earth Day Celebration at Snipes Farm
4/25 – Naturepalooza at the Schuylkill Center