Co-ordinated by the Earth Day Network, Earth Day has been running since 1970 (making this year its 50th anniversary!). Their mission is to drive positive environmental change through educating people across over 190 countries, supported by 75,000 partners.
Earth Day has a history of making a difference. On its first event, 20 million Americans (10% of the population) protested the government’s environmental ignorance and demanded that things changed. This resulted in the passage of landmark environmental laws in the US. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were all created in response to the climate action, alongside the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), other countries soon followed suit. The United Nations also chose this day as the day when the Paris Climate Agreement was signed, possibly the most famous and most significant moment in our climate change battle thus far.
Over the past 12 months we have seen a huge rise in climate action, with the youth climate strikes seen globally and Extinction Rebellion protests closing down entire cities. Celebrities such as Jude Law, Jane Fonda and Benedict Cumberbatch supported the cause, making the movement resonate with people both young and old across the world. Campaigning for climate action has started to feel like it could really make a difference.
Bouncing off all this positive movement across the globe, Earth Day’s 50th anniversary theme is climate action. This year, Earth Day is encouraging people to get involved and take part in a beach clean-up, or a climate strike, or even to host their own climate themed events, anything proactive to help protect our planet. So, how can you join in?
Climate action from home
It might feel harder than normal to make your voice hear and partake in climate action, but there are still ways that you can contribute from home, and you might even have time to do things that you wouldn’t normally have!
Share sustainable skills with friends and family
Do you have any particularly nifty ways that you stay sustainable? Why not share them on social media or even make a little how-to video to share!
Try Meat Free Mondays (or any day!)
Take the time to practise your veggie or vegan cooking skills, if you make something particularly delicious share the recipe on social media!
Learn more about environmental issues
Dedicate some of your time indoors to learning about environmental issues, whether it be through documentaries, books or online learning resources!
Repair or upcycle items and clothing
If you have some clothes that need stitching or a table that needs fixing, do it whilst you have time indoors so that you aren’t tempted to replace them with new items!
Research renewable energy suppliers
If you’re thinking about switching energy suppliers, now is a good time to do some research about what options are available to you.
Share your support online
Sign petitions that are close to your heart and share them online, and share the Earth day images and posters to show your support for the cause!
Find out more at: www.earthday.org/