50th Earth Day Celebrated Amidst Lock down
This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 amidst lock down.
The connection that we have to nature, plants, and the land is integral to our health and all that we are.
Earth Day reminds us to take care of our planet—whether it’s cleaning up litter, planting more trees, recycling and re purposing, or going on a walk in a green space amidst the wildflowers.
Earth Day 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of this holiday.
Typically, Earth Day is assigned a different theme or area of focus each year; this year’s theme is Climate Action.
Most years, Earth Day events range from river cleanups to invasive removals. With social distancing in place for many of us this April, Earth Day has gone digital.
Virtual events, like environmental lectures and films, will take place on Earth Day (Wednesday, April 22) instead.
Of course, social distancing doesn’t mean that you can’t go outside and enjoy nature, as long as you do so responsibly! Nature is not cancelled!
Ever wonder how Earth Day began? The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970.
Dealing with dangerously serious issues concerning toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the effects of pesticides, an impressive 20 million Americans—10% of the population—ventured outdoors and protested together.
President Richard Nixon lead the nation in creating the Environmental Protection Agency which followed with successful laws including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. Read more from EarthSky.org.
McConnell originally chose the spring equinox (March 21, 1970) and Nelson chose April 22, which ended up becoming the official celebration date.
Given that the date of the spring equinox changes over time, it could have made things more complicated to go with that date!
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Today, Earth Day is not only a day to increase awareness of environmental problems but it’s also become a popular day for many communities to gather together and clean up litter, plant trees, or simply reflect on the beauty of nature.
We’ve provided a list of activities and projects that you can do to improve your local environment further down the page!
