Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22.
A Bit of Earth Day History
According to EarthDay.org, the idea of Earth Day came to the surface after the publication of Rachel Carson’s 1962 Silent Springs, a book that “raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment, and the inextricable links between pollution and public health.”
The deteriorating environment became more widespread after the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Senator Gaylord Nelson sought inspiration to combine the student anti-war movement and increasing public awareness about air and water pollution, and began the idea “for a teach-in on college campuses to the national media,” which landed on April 22, a weekday that was deemed suitable for thousands of students to participate in.
When the event officially came to be known as Earth Day in 1970, it attracted and inspired millions of people to let their voices and concerns against the 150 years of industrial development be heard across multiple public spaces. “Groups that had been fighting individually against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife united on Earth Day around these shared common values.”
Today, Earth Day is a global movement marked by more than a billion people, “empowering individuals with the information, the tools, the messaging and the communities needed to make an impact and drive” social and cultural environmental change.
Why I Celebrate the Earth
Although Earth Day is a one-day event, there are 364 other days to take care of the planet that has been taking care of us.
I used to look forward and imagine the excitement of living in a big city – skyscrapers, people walking on sidewalks, dozens of vendors to see along the way, and long car rides were things I thought I’d completely be fine living in for the rest of my life.
About two years later, I felt like I lost a part of myself. Day in and out, most of what I heard were cars passing by, the occasional honking, people shouting below for whatever reason, helicopters flying above, and a lot of sirens. When I looked out of my window, I would see another building with windows, or more houses, and the occasional blue sky. Sometimes I’d have to close my curtain due to the sun shining directly inside the room, heating it up more than usual.
I realized then that city life is actually not where I would like to settle down.
When I came back home, I instantly became surrounded by the earth. When I look out my window, I see plants, flowers, trees, the sky, and the wind blowing through them. I hear birds chirping, dogs barking, puppies playing. I still hear the sirens from a distance, but the cars are only heard when I’m out on the highway.
Away from the city, I feel relaxed. I feel content.
Mother Earth constantly gifts me the present of life and living. Her patience is infinite, her love is irreplaceable, and our bond is unbreakable.
28 Ways to Celebrate the Earth
Turn off and/or unplug items that are not in use.
Practice sustainable fashion.
Plant a garden – flower, vegetable, herb.
Support local agriculture by purchasing from a farmer.
Participate/initiate a community cleanup.
Turn off the water when not in use, especially when brushing teeth and showering.
Unsubscribe from paper junk mail.
Use reusable items and materials, such as grocery bags, water bottles, cloth, glass, and metals.
Start composting.
Start a recycling plan or organization.
Walk, ride a bike, or carpool when it’s an option.
Pick up litter along the way.
Install energy-efficient light bulbs.
Plant some trees.
Collect rainwater, and use it to water plants and wash cars.
When the weather is nice, open the windows in the house and when driving.
Switch from paper bills to e-bills and online invoices.
Expand knowledge on the environment and ways to protect it – a way to do this is to stream Eco-Friendly documentaries online.
Join an environmental group and/or organization.
Spend time with nature.
Consider finding a way to financially help an organization.
Eat more fruits and vegetables, and other meals with organic ingredients.
Donate unused clothing and household items.
Cook at home – reduces the use of single-use items from restaurants.
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Request for the community to take on more renewable energy sources – wind, solar, and geothermal
Create an insect-friendly yard – to attract bees, birds, and other friendly creatures and allow them to relax or have a home, even if it’s just temporary.
Invite local businesses, organizations, schools, and communities to give back to Mother Earth.
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How do you give back to Mother Earth?
