Started in 1970, Earth Day is a day designated for celebrating, learning about and taking action to protect nature. Throughout the years, Earth Day has inspired numerous initiatives, from tree planting to beach cleanups to educational campaigns and policy advocacy. It has catalyzed significant changes, such as the creation of environmental protection laws, the promotion of renewable energy sources, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices in various sectors.
The global theme this year is “Plastics vs. Planet” and focuses on minimizing plastics production and use. Plastics production not only relies heavily on oil and gas extraction but involves the use of chemicals that have been shown to have adverse effects on human health.
Despite its convenience, the widespread use of plastic is unsustainable and incompatible with a healthy planet. One of the easiest ways you can contribute to responsible resource uses and create a healthier environment for people and animals is by committing to a plastic-lite lifestyle. And if you must use plastic, recycle the plastic you do use. Committing to a plastic-lite lifestyle can look like, using reusable bags, investing in a reusable water bottle, or avoiding single-use plastics, and ultimately, supporting plastic free initiatives.
Overall, no matter what the theme is or what initiatives are created, Earth Day is a celebration of our planet’s beauty, diversity, and resilience as well as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve it for generations to come.
