When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 in over 190 countries around the world. It’s followed closely by Arbor Day, which falls on the last Friday in April.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual event that aims to raise environmental awareness and inspire action towards environmental protection to address global challenges. Some of the event's key focus areas include climate action, environmental education, social impact, pollution, global warming, conservation and restoration. Common ways to celebrate earth day include community gatherings to clean up litter, volunteer tree planting events, street protests and demonstrations, or even taking simple steps to fight climate change, such as reducing waste, rethinking your energy consumption and recycling.
Earth Day History
When was the first Earth Day? The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 in the United States. More than 50 years ago, an impressive 20 million Americans, approximately 10% of the population at the time, ventured outdoors and protested alarming environmental issues. Notably the protests raised awareness on topic areas such as deforestation, oil spills, toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the effects of pesticides.
In 1990, Earth Day was transformed into an international event in over 141 nations around the world. On the 2016 Earth Day, the well-known Paris Climate Agreement was signed. On the 2020 Earth Day, which marked the 50th anniversary of the international Earth Day, it is estimated that over 100 million people in 193 countries were digitally mobilized to take action, making commitments on a broad range of environmental problems, such as climate change, plastic pollution, renewable energy and many others.
Earth Day Activities
Check out these fun Earth Day ideas to help you celebrate the Earth Month this April!
Cut Back on Waste
From plastic scraps, to over-consumption of stuff there are so many solutions for individuals to reduce waste. Try buying in bulk, composting, recycling, and shopping for sustainable products.
Raise Awareness
Use your voice and platforms to share your love for earth, the environment and trees with the world. You can access our social-media friendly shareables page for ideas.
Donate to Plant Trees
Choose from more than 50 reforestation planting projects around the world with ranging impact areas or simply plant trees in an area that needs the funding the most.
Adopt A Sustainable Diet
Transitioning to a more sustainable diet (ie. reducing consumption of animal products) can have a dramatic impact on your carbon footprint. Going meatless once a week for a year saves the equivalent greenhouse gases as driving 348 miles in a car.
Start A Forest Fundraiser
Start your own own fundraising campaign and share it with friends and family. Not only will you be advocating for the importance of trees, you'll be raising money for a project with an impact area that means the most to you!
Volunteer to Plant Trees
Looking to get your hands in the dirt? Attend a local tree planting event organized by One Tree Planted and spend a day caring for or planting trees at an event close to home with your friends and family and give back to the trees in your community.