Next week is our planet’s yearly celebration, but do you know why we celebrate?
Here are some facts on Earth Day.
When is the 2024 Earth Day?
According to National Geographic, although Earth Day is observed on April 22 in the United States each year, it is observed on the day of the spring equinox in other areas of the world.
Why do we celebrate Earth Day?
The purpose of Earth Day is to honor the advancements made by the environmental movement and its initiatives to protect the environment.
“Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations,” stated National Geographic.
When did Earth Day get its start?
The environmental movement was effectively launched on April 22, 1970, which was also the inaugural Earth Day. Politicians and students concerned about environmental preservation organized it.
“Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the United States — to take to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development which had left a growing legacy of serious human health impacts,” according to EarthDay.org.
The first Earth Day also led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency which were responsible for passing the first major environmental laws including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, and only two years later, the Clean Water Act.
How do we observe this Earth Day?
Earth Day is still observed by activism and people giving back to the environment by volunteering in their areas and learning about environmental issues.
There are several places in Indianapolis to celebrate Earth Day, including Tarkington Park, the JCC, Garfield Park, and the Indianapolis Zoo.
