How To Get Involved In Earth Day 2021
Originating in the grass-roots environmental movement of the 1970s, Earth Day has become an engaging and global community event. Growing environmental awareness following the Santa Barbara Oil Spill and the release of Rachel Carson's 1962 book Silent Spring led Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson to create the now infamous Earth Day. He recognized a need for environmental advocacy and public awareness.
The April 22nd date was a creative strategy to get college students involved, as it fell between spring break and finals. Let's just say it worked. The first Earth Day in 1970 had 20 million participants!
Increasing public awareness quickly transformed into activism and monumental change, starting from local communities and eventually leading to the formation of a significant governmental agency, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Soon after, the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act were passed into legislation.
With each year, Earth Day continues to gain traction, and more people and organizations from around the world are engaging and getting involved. Since 2016, every Earth Day has been accompanied by a theme to promote awareness and stewardship. This year's theme for Earth Day 2021 is 'Restore Our Earth.'
Over 1 billion people and nearly 200 countries worldwide are expected to participate in Earth Day events this year!
Earth Day Historical Highlights
As we begin the 51st annual Earth Day, we wanted to highlight some inspirational success stories worldwide.
In 2011, Afghanistan led a campaign to plant 28 million trees across the country.
In 2012, over 100,000 people in China participated in an Earth Day event choosing to forgo their car and instead bike to work to help reduce pollution.
In 2017, wanting to follow up environmental advocacy with action, Kenya decided to ban plastic bags.
There are countless success stories similar to these across the United States. Individuals are coming together to implement positive change within their communities.
Want To Get Involved?
No matter what corner of the United States you live in, there are countless activities, events, and ways to get involved! From a trail clean-up in Kaukauna, WI, an Earth Day seed exchange in Georgetown, TX, a kid's Earth Day Celebration at the Schiff Nature Preserve in New Jersey, and if your heart and legs desire even an Earth Day 5k marathon in Indiana.
Communities across the U.S, both small and large, are getting involved for Earth Day.
A great resource to get involved in your community is to head on over to earthday.org. If you cannot participate in a clean-up or hands-on Earth Day event, there is an incredible amount of virtual ways to still get involved! Numerous organizations are holding webinars, virtual workshops, and special guest panel discussions.
NASA, the leading innovator of space exploration, is holding a free virtual event with live presentations from scientists and astronauts - some of whom will be in space during their presentation! Other large, influential organizations and agencies such as the American Museum of National History, National Park Service, and National Geographic will be hosting informational and engaging virtual events. Virtual event topics will revolve around climate change, environmental justice, clean-ups, regenerative agriculture, environmental education, conservation, and citizen science. Whatever aspect of the environment you may be interested in learning more about, chances are there is a virtual event available.
Earth Day is a day dedicated to learning, engaging, giving back, and most importantly, reviving your connection with the environment.
Happy Earth Day, everyone!