You’ve probably heard of Earth Day by now (and if not, you should have). Either way, you should know that it’s an important one, seeing as it involves the future of the planet, and our life on it.
It all started on the 22nd April 1970, when millions of people in the US hit the streets to protest the environmental impact of industrial development. Smog and pollution were serious problems and people demanded change. In July that year, President Nixon’s government created the Environmental Protection Agency and put environmental preservation into law with the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and many others.
Now, Earth Day is a global event on the same date every year, when we get together to demand action on environmental damage. More than a billion people in 192 countries take part in the action each year, so it’s a pretty big deal. Since it began over 50 years ago, people have marched, written to their leaders, signed petitions, planted trees and cleaned up their roads. It’s all pretty amazing, really.
Each year focuses on a key theme that’s most relevant for the time. Last year’s Earth Day theme was Restore Our Earth, which included highlighting natural processes, green technology and innovative ideas to help achieve environmental justice. The whole event took place virtually due to the global pandemic, but this year, things are able to return to in-person activations.
The theme for 2022 is Invest In Our Planet, reframing the misconception that sustainability comes at a cost and championing the idea that a green future is a lucrative and prosperous one.
Everyone can get involved, from all levels. Governments can fund green energy research and commit to reducing a nation’s carbon footprint. Businesses can examine their supply chain and processes, making meaningful changes, like swapping raw materials, ditching single-use plastic and reducing waste, to ensure more sustainable operations.
