When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 in over 192 countries around the world. It’s followed closely by Arbor Day, which falls on the last Friday in April.
Source: About Us, EARTHDAY.ORG
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual event that aims to raise environmental awareness and inspire people to take action for nature. Common ways to celebrate Earth Day include beach or park cleanups, volunteer tree planting events, demonstrations, and spending time in nature.
Every Earth Day has a theme. In recent years, the day has focused on addressing plastic pollution, encouraging investment in green technologies, supporting ecosystem restoration, inspiring climate action, and protecting biodiversity. The 2025 Earth Day Theme is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.”
Source: Earth Day 2025, EARTHDAY.ORG
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, took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to protest alarming environmental issues. These protests focused on the impacts of 150 years of industrial development, including oil spills, toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the effects of pesticides. Earth Day is credited with sparking the modern environmental movement and inspiring landmark legislation in the United States, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
By 1990, Earth Day had grown into an international event, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 nations around the world. On the 2016 Earth Day, the historic Paris Climate Agreement was signed. On the 2020 Earth Day, which marked the event’s 50th anniversary, it’s estimated that over 1 billion people participated in Earth Day actions, and 100 million observed the anniversary—making it the largest online mass mobilization in history.
Source: The History of Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG
"The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard."
Senator Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day
Source: Goodreads
Earth Day Activities
Check out these fun Earth Day ideas to help you celebrate Earth Month this April!
Cut Back on Waste
From plastic bottles to over-consumption of stuff, there are so many ways 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 the Earth, the environment and trees. Let people know what actions you are taking to protect our planet—and why it matters.
Donate to Plant Trees
Reforestation is one of the best ways to restore ecosystems that have been degraded or deforested. Plant trees to support reforestation work in the locations where it is needed most.
Adopt A Sustainable Diet
Transitioning to a more sustainable diet can have a dramatic impact on your environmental footprint. Try eating more locally grown foods, incorporating plant-based meals into your diet, and meal planning to reduce food waste.
Start A Forest Fundraiser
Start your own fundraising campaign and share it with friends, family, and your community. Not only will you be advocating for the importance of trees, you'll be raising money for a cause that matters to you!
Volunteer to Plant Trees
Looking to get your hands in the dirt? Attend a local tree planting or environmental cleanup event and spend the day making a difference in your own backyard.