Celebrating Earth Day: The History and Significance of the Environmental Movement
This 'Earth Day', we can all strive to appreciate our planet a bit more, becoming more motivated to take steps to protect it... and to improve it from the state we found it in.
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated globally on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
It is observed in more than 190 countries worldwide, and it serves as a reminder that the planet's resources are finite and need to be protected.
On Earth Day, individuals and organizations engage in activities aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for policy changes to protect the planet's natural resources.
Some common activities on Earth Day include planting trees, organizing a beach or park cleanup, advocating for environmental policy changes, and spreading awareness through social media and community events.
Ultimately, Earth Day is a call to action for everyone to take steps toward protecting the environment and creating a sustainable future for all living beings.
****** Earth Day History ******
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and has since become a global movement with events and activities taking place in over 193 countries.
The idea for Earth Day was proposed by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, inspired by the anti-war movement and the protests of the 1960s. He wanted to create a national day that would focus on environmental issues and raise awareness about the need to protect our planet.
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and it was a huge success. Millions of people participated in rallies, marches, and educational events across the United States, and the day helped to galvanize the environmental movement.
Since then, Earth Day has continued to grow and evolve. In 1990, it went global with events taking place in 141 countries. In 2016, the Paris Agreement was signed on Earth Day, marking a significant milestone in the fight against climate change.
Today, Earth Day is celebrated by people all over the world. It's a day to reflect on our impact on the planet and to take action to protect it. It's a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
****** Here Are Some Ways You Can Make A Difference This Earth Day (& every day!) ******
---> Clean up a local beach.
Over 14 billion pounds of trash are dumped into the ocean each year. To put that into perspective: there are more pounds of trash in our oceans than there are people on Earth! Help change that by cleaning up a local beach for a few hours and leaving it in a better state than when you started.
---> Scan your neighborhood for litter.
Even if you don’t participate in an organized trash clean-up, keep an eye out for trash in your neighborhood. Pick up any stray piece of litter you see and encourage your friends and/or family to do the same! Small steps make a big difference.
---> Help restore bird habitats.
Make your community friendlier and more inviting for all creatures – not just people. Research ways to restore bird habitats in your local area and get a group together to enact change.
---> Buy a reusable water bottle.
Did you know that more than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills and incinerators every day? If you haven’t yet made the switch from single-use water bottles to reusable ones, make a change on Earth Day. Bonus points for telling your friends to do the same!
---> Plant a tree.
Get your hands a little dirty and plant a tree! An especially great activity in urban areas, tree planting volunteer activities help restore the balance between natural habitats and the communities of people living in them.
---> Clean vacant lots in the community.
Have you noticed any vacant lots filled with litter in your local area? Buy a few trash bags and spend a half hour cleaning a vacant lot. You’ll be surprised by how much accumulates, how much is ignored, and how rewarded you’ll feel afterward.
---> Unplug and spend time outside.
Most importantly, be sure to spend time outdoors this Earth Day! Volunteer to leave your phone at home, unplug for the afternoon, and enjoy some fresh air. Go on a walk, a bike ride, or sit on a park bench and simply admire the world around you.
****** Join Us For A Painting & Wine Class ******
Our paint studio In Downtown Naperville uses empty wine bottles for other art projects, and recycle the rest; We encourage you to bring some snacks in to enjoy with your class… Bring them in a washable/reusable container to cut down on waste, too! :)
---> Some of our favorites are coming up this month, including this Earthly beauty.
4/26 Galaxy Waterfall Forest - https://www..../event/676643