What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22nd by over a billion people to protect the planet from harmful activities such as deforestation and pollution. It is to raise awareness of the adverse effects we’re having on the planet and to focus on creating a healthier and happier place to live. The first Earth Day took place in 1970, marking the beginning of modern environmentalism. It was a response to the vast quantities of leaded gas being used to fuel industries and automobiles causing air pollution and poor human health. Earth Day provided a voice to emerging environmental consciousness and made environmental concerns a priority. Today over 190 countries engage in activities surrounding Earth Day. The theme for this year is Invest in Our Planet, calling for businesses and world leaders to take action and preserve and protect our planet – so what can you do? We’ve outlined a list of things you can do this Earth Day 2022.
What can you do this Earth Day?
Take part in a cleanup
The Great Global Cleanup is a global campaign to remove billions of pieces of rubbish from beaches, neighbourhoods, rivers, parks, and more. By removing plastic pollution, habitats are improved, and the risk to wildlife and humans is reduced. If you want to get involved, check out their map or even register your own cleanup!
Take a pledge
There are numerous pledges you can take this Earth Day from committing to banning the use of single-use plastics, always carrying a reusable bag, or advocating for your school or university to become greener. Discover your pledge here.
Support climate & environmental literacy
Add your voice and sign a letter to the UNFCC or GEF asking them to commit to compulsory environmental education and expand funding opportunities to enable this to be possible. Strong civic education will allow citizens to engage with leaders in a meaningful way resulting in effective climate action.
Spend time outside
Embrace the outdoors and immerse yourself in nature. Spend the afternoon reading, go for a walk, or just take in some deep breaths of fresh air. Let’s remember why we’re fighting for this planet!
Plant something
Trees clean the air and release oxygen into the atmosphere alongside numerous other benefits. Plant one in your garden – trees can actually increase your property value by 15%! Another option is fruits and vegetables which will not only benefit your health but also benefit the planet by the reduced fossil fuel emissions of not transporting food.
Offset your carbon
Calculate your carbon footprint on our website then offset it! Invest in our climate projects that reduce the volume of carbon in the atmosphere while supporting sustainable development.
Keep it going
Don’t just make an active effort to engage in climate action on Earth Day, adopt these habits every day. Small changes in your daily life will drive greater changes. Don’t let things be a short-lived exercise, embrace them and inspire others to do the same.