For the past 47 years, Earth Day has been a global movement to educate the masses about environmental change. Education is progress, and that is what this year’s theme is focused on. Environmental and climate literacy helps create a healthier earth for future generations. If we educate the masses about how we as people are harming the planet, perhaps there will be a unified effort to environmentally protect it.
A Brief Earth Day History
20 million Americans helped launch the first Earth Day, which took place on April 22nd, 1970. This got the ball rolling on environmental bills that later came to be approved. These include the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Water Act, among many others.
Over the past 52 years, the Earth Day Network has grown astronomically. There are over 50,00 partners in almost 200 countries, and about one billion people participate in Earth Day activities, fundraisers, or campaigns every year. We only hope those numbers continue to grow, spreading awareness and making more environmental changes.
There isn’t one specific way to celebrate Earth Day. Take a look at what events are happening in your community; it might surprise you. To make a long-lasting change for the betterment of the planet, perhaps you can incorporate some of the following into your daily life.
Reusable Water Bottle
There is too much plastic that ends up in the ocean or in nature. Make a pledge to stop using plastic water bottles and start using a reusable, stainless steel canteen. There are so many great reusable water bottles now! Buy a Berkey filter system for your water at home, or get a filter for your faucet. It’s healthier for you and the environment; and you don’t have to buy water bottles!
Eat Less Meat
The meat industry accounts for one-fifth of man-made greenhouse gas emissions around the world. Try to limit you meat consumption and focus on buying fresh, locally grown produce. The more plant-based foods you eat, the healthier you’ll be; and your ecological footprint will decrease too!
Plant A Tree
Planting a tree is a fun activity for you and your kids, if you have them. Deforestation accounts for about 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which ultimately contribute to climate change. Additionally, deforestation can cause species extinction and poverty.
Make Your Own Green Act
Blaze your own trail towards a greener planet by doing environmentally friendly things here and there. Installing solar panels can help reduce your eco footprint, and you can also get a personal wind turbine to generate electricity; they are pretty inexpensive! Maybe you can ride your bike on the weekend instead of driving your car. Plant a garden or volunteer to pick up trash. If we all do little things to help the planet, we can enjoy what it has to offer for generations to come.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
