Earth Day Every Day

Tomorrow is Earth Day, and before we share some important ways to contribute this year, let us give you a little background on how Earth Day evolved. 

 

On April 22, 1970 – over 45 years ago  – an estimated 20 million Americans, from coast to coast, gathered and protested against the deterioration of our environment. Being one of the largest peaceful demonstrations in human history, this movement achieved a rare political alignment that led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts, and ultimately mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries, bringing global awareness to environmental issues by the early 90s.1 

Earth Day was created by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, 1969. Channeling the energy of the student anti-Vietnam war movement, he wanted to put environmental issues onto the front pages of our newspapers – which is exactly what he did. 1 

At the height of 60s counterculture, while most Americans were still oblivious to environmental issues, Earth Day was created to give voice to eco-consciousness and establish a place where we could stand as one against pollution, oil spills, pesticides, deforestation and more – all issues that are still relevant today.  

To this day, Earth Day is the largest secular observance in the world. It is celebrated by more than a billion people each year, and it's a day of action that changes human behavior and provokes environmental policy changes. Earth Day also spearheads a widespread of campaigns – from global warming and clean energy to this year's campaign on environmental and climate literacy.  

So, how can we personally help our planet? Here are five ways to reduce our environmental footprint and support Mother Nature every day: 

1. Consume less plastic – avoid buying foods in packaging, use reusable water bottles and opt out from using plastic straws in drinks.  
2. Become a more cautious eater – eat less or no meat, start a home garden, and know how your food is made/where it comes from. 
3. Slow down on fast fashion – support and buy products from local and American-made brands; purchase quality pieces that will last. 
4. Plant a tree – planting a tree is one of the easiest ways to fight climate change. 
5. March for Science – if you don't live in D.C., look for your local sister march, on tomorrow, April 22, and protest against efforts to silence science – be active in educating and sharing what you know about the environment with others. 

To learn more about Earth Day, you can check out their site here. 

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall