Earth Day

Each year, April 22 is observed as the Earth Day. It serves as a day of action that changes human behavior and provokes policy changes for a clean environment.

History

April 22 marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. The idea for a national day to focus on the environment came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.

Earth Day had reached into its current status as the largest secular observance in the world, celebrated by more than a billion people every year as a day of political action and civic participation for protecting God’s greatest creations, humans, biodiversity and the planet that we all live on.

Theme for 2024

"Planet vs. Plastics" is the theme for the Earth day 2024. 

The invention of plastic in 1907 was considered a breakthrough. Plastic products soon became omnipresent in our daily lives. For many years, we only perceived the benefits of plastic and knew little of the damaging consequences for human health, natural ecosystems and the climate. Plastics are a problem mostly due to their un-biodegradable nature, the materials used for plastic production (hydrocarbon molecules—derived from the refining of oil and natural gas), and the challenges behind properly discarding them.

Plastic pollution is now recognized as a hazard to public health and the human body. Microplastics are now known to cause damage to human cells at the levels known to be consumed by people via their food.

Planet vs. Plastics unites students, parents, businesses, governments, churches, unions, individuals, and NGOs in an unwavering commitment to call for the end of plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040 and an ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for generations to come. 

Plastics are a danger to humanity and all living creatures, disrupting the delicate balance of life on Earth. 

Earth Day tips

Plastic pollution can create big problems for human and ecosystem health. Everyday actions, however, can lessen the problem. 

• Reduce your own plastic waste. Bring your own reusable shopping and produce bags to markets, and avoid using single-use plastic bags.
• Always choose quality and durability over convenience. Single-use bags, cups, and other products usually cost you more in the long term — and definitely cost our planet.
• Find the plastics you no longer need and dispose of them properly. If you can, replace them with long-lasting options.
• Like sipping through straws? Get a durable stainless steel, glass, or bamboo one to use instead of wasteful plastic ones.
• Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, invest in a water filter and trusty water bottle(s). Bonus: it’s cheaper in the long run.
• Make your own reusable cloth bags from old t-shirts, using basic sewing skills (or no sewing at all). 
• Choose clothing and other personal items made from earth-friendly materials instead of microfibers and other synthetic fibers, which pollute our water
• Pick up trash in your neighborhood and when visiting parks and beaches. Check local safety guidelines first, and always use gloves!

Source : Earth Day Network