Earth Day: learn about the importance of the date and how to celebrate it

Earth Day , celebrated this Monday, April 22 , is a global environmental movement that seeks to diversify, educate and activate environmental awareness. With a series of activities that promote positive actions on our planet, the date helps in the development of bold, creative and innovative solutions to combat the environmental crisis.

Origin of Earth Day

Earth Day was created in 1970 to give voice to the emerging environmental awareness that was sweeping the United States during that decade. It all began in January 1969, when a massive oil spill devastated the city of Santa Barbara, California. Faced with the disaster—and the air pollution from gasoline, lead, and smoke, which at the time were seen as symbols of prosperity—Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson joined forces with Pete McCloskey , a Republican congressman focused on conservation, and Denis Hayes , a young activist, to form a national team of 85 people who organized environmental awareness events across the country. The efforts soon expanded to include a wide range of organizations, religious groups, and others. The name Earth Day was coined for April 22, which immediately caught the attention of the media and spread across the country. Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans —then 10 percent of the total U.S. population—to take to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to protest the impacts of 150 years of industrial development that have left a growing legacy of serious human health impacts. The day went global in 1990, when a group of environmental leaders approached Denis Hayes to organize another major Earth Day campaign. This time, Earth Day mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries and elevated environmental issues to the global stage. Earth Day 1990 provided a major boost to recycling efforts around the world and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It also led President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest honor given to civilians in the United States—for his role in founding Earth Day.

Actions around the world

April 22, 2024, marks the 54th anniversary of the environmental movement. The celebration takes place in more than 190 countries around the world and is the most widely observed non-religious holiday in history. From parties, parades, and protests to cleanups, rallies, and lectures, there are countless ways to activate your Earth Day celebration.

How to celebrate the date?

If the above list isn’t enough for you, or if you’d like to celebrate Earth Day in your own way, below are 5 actions you can take to appreciate and preserve the natural world this April 22. Check it out! 1. Organize a plastic collection in your neighborhood This Saturday, get your family and friends to walk around your neighborhood with a trash bag and help clean up any plastic packaging and waste you find . You’ll start to realize that plastic permeates every aspect of our lives. Then, go to a specialized collection center and dispose of your trash properly. Also, take the opportunity to learn about 5 tips for replacing plastic in your daily life . 2. Plant a tree

3. Save water Reduce the time you spend in the shower, avoid over-watering your plants, turn off the tap when cooking and brushing your teeth... Remember: small actions count a lot! According to the Akatu Institute, if you take one minute off your shower time every day, in 10 years, you will have saved enough water for a family of four to take their daily shower for six months (21,960 liters) ! One minute less in the shower in a month also saves enough to charge your cell phone 750 times in one hour. It's worth adopting the same tip when brushing your teeth and shaving. Discover 10 tips to be more sustainable at home here! 4. Prioritize native plants in your garden For those who love plants and gardens, it is worth learning about sustainable landscaping and the damage that invasive plant species can cause to the local ecosystem. Native species enhance the local flora and help with pest control and pollination – which means bigger flowers and better harvests. At CASACOR , landscaper Ricardo Cardim prepared a class on sustainable landscaping " target="_blank" rel="noopener">that is now available to watch on YouTube. Check it out here! 5. Reduce waste generation Plastic, aluminum and other highly toxic materials can take up to 500 years to decompose naturally in the environment . Therefore, rethink your consumption habits and start by consuming less, being more conscious and avoiding the use of disposable materials. Taking your own cup to the office and avoiding the use of plastic cups, supporting sustainable products that have low energy consumption and leaving your car at home, for example, are great ways to be more sustainable without much effort. Here, we have put together a list of 11 ways to be more sustainable in your daily life.