What is Earth Day?

Earth day comes annually on April 22 and is a day we use to demonstrate our support for environmental protection. It is celebrated throughout the week by people around the globe. EARTHDAY.ORG coordinates a range of events that allow you to contribute to the protection of the environment. The site includes about 1 billion contributors in over 193 countries around the world. In 2020, Earth day hit its 50th anniversary in what is referred to as the largest online mass mobilization in history reaching over 100 million observers and supporters.

Earth Day History

In 1969, a UNESCO conference was held by peace activist John McConnell proposing a day should be held to honor the Earth. A nationwide environmental teach-in was to be held and coordinated by activist Denis Hayes. The event, held on April 22, 1970, was then named “Earth Day” to raise awareness. although large numbers were expected, more than 20 million people showed up to support. This vastly exceeded the coordinators’ expectations. People protested pollution and environmental harm in the streets, setting the record for the largest single-day protest in human history.

What can you do to help?

There are a variety of things to do to show your support for Earth Day. Avoiding using a car or other gas-powered vehicles will help clear the air, and using a bike to get around is a much more environmentally friendly option. A large problem in the environment is the consumption of cheap one-time-use products. Shopping for products that are easily reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable will help limit pollution immensely. Buying a more environmentally friendly product will not only help the earth, but it will also save you money over time.

Make sure to check out EARTHDAY.ORG to see where you can donate to support. For more feather photos, visit The Feather Media page.