EARTH DAY AND MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE

Image By Cornelia Kopp licensed under CCBY2.0

“The Earth is what we all have in common”…. Wendell Berry

Earth Day has been observed on April 22nd in the United States for more than half a century and has expanded globally to nearly 200 countries. The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness about environmental issues.  Many people also celebrate “Earth Week” which is an unofficial extension of Earth Day. The purpose of Earth Week is to draw more attention to the Earth Day Campaign.

For nearly two decades, there have been various themes associated with Earth Day.  The 2023 is a continuation of the 2022’s theme of “Investing In Our Planet”.

It has been said that, “If we intend to provide a better life, and a better world, for future generations, we can’t ignore the quality of the environment we leave them“….John Kasich.  

Making investments are an important part of our lives, whether that means making an investment in our environments, in our relationships, or ourselves.

“Denis Hayes, Coordinator of the First Earth Day (1970) Founder of the Earth Day Network President and Chief Executive Officer, Bullitt Foundation” by umseas is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Q1 – HOW DID EARTH DAY BEGIN?

In 1969,San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Conference in San Francisco. This day was fist observed on march 21, 1970 (the first day of spring). However, Senator Gaylor Nelson, proposed a “national teach-in on the environment” which was held on April 22nd and called, Earth Day. Denis Hayes, was the coordinator of the First Earth Day and also the founder of the Earth Day Network which has expanded to many other countries.

“Earth Day – Enact 1970” by University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability from Ann Arbor is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Q2 – WHERE WERE THE FIRST EARTH DAY EVENTS HELD?

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, with rallies being held in New York, California, Michigan and many other American cities.

“Conserve our beautiful earth – Melbourne World Environment Day 2011” by John Englart (Takver) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Q4 – WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES CELEBRATE EARTH DAY?

The Earth Day Network focuses on broadening and diversifying the environmental movement worldwide and protecting the Earth for future generations. As of 2023, their efforts have led to more than 17,000 partners and organizations in nearly 200 countries with more than 1 billion people being involved in Earth Day activities, making it “the largest secular civic event in the world.”

Recycle – Free Image By Pixabay no attribution required

Q5 – WHAT ARE SIMPLE THINGS WE CAN DO TO PROTECT THE EARTH

  • Recycle
  • Conserve Water
  • Plant trees
  • Walk, bike or take public transportation
  • Live close to where you work
  • Carpool
  • Walk your kids to school
  • Put solar panels on your roof
  • Compost food scraps for use in your yard
  • Upgrade your home to current or better building standards to achieve maximum energy efficiency
  • Educate yourself about environmental problems and work on being a part of the solution

RESOURCES:
https://www.earthday.org/
https://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNetwork/
https://www.earthday.org/countries-we-serve/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day
https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/april-22/
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/earth-day
https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/april-22/

Posted: April 23, 2023 by

Category: Blog