Earth Day -- April 22: Help Save Our Planet
The first Earth Day -- April 22, 1970 -- is considered by many to be the start of the modern environmental movement. Millions of Americans turned out that day to protest environmental degradation and to demonstrate on behalf of a cleaner, healthier environment. By the end of the year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been established and Congress had passed the Clean Air Act.
Earth Day is now observed each year on April 22 by more than one billion people in over 175 countries. Growing out of the first Earth Day in 1970, EARTHDAY.ORG works to activate the environmental movement worldwide.
Make plans now for your League to join the movement. Perhaps your League has taken part in Earth Day events in the past and is already in touch with community partners about plans for this year. If not, start by reaching out to other like-minded organizations to see what ideas they may have. Student groups have traditionally been eager participants in Earth Day celebrations.
A Few Ideas for Earth Day
- Develop a list of 10 green actions that people can take to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably. Encourage members of your League and your community to honor Earth Day by pledging to do at least one thing on the list.
- Sponsor a carbon-free Earth Day walk, run, or bike outing.
- Organize a park clean up . . . or a tree planting . . . or a community garden.
- Partner with your local school district on an Earth Day poster contest . . . or essay contest.
- Organize a screening of an environmental documentary, such as Bag It . . . or The 11th Hour . . . or Earth 2100.
Resources
- From the Earth Day Network -- Science and Education Toolkits
Last updated: 2/2/2022