Spring has sprung and it’s time to get outdoors and celebrate nature.
And what better time to keep our planet happy and healthy than on Earth Day? See when we celebrate the holiday this year, what it’s all about and how you can take steps further reducing, reusing and recycling for the planet.
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22.
This year, April 22 is on a Tuesday. It will be the 55th Earth Day celebrated since the occasion was recognized as a holiday.
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What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is observed each year. It aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and promotes eco-friendly practices, such as cutting back on driving and cleaning up litter, to mitigate environmental concerns like pollution, climate change and excessive energy usage, according to Almanac.
When did Earth Day start?
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 when Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator, and John McConnell, a San Francisco activist, each asked the country to join a grassroots demonstration to raise awareness about air pollution, the effects of pesticides and toxic drinking water, according to Almanac.
Rallies took place across the country, with 20 million Americans participating. By the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency and followed up with laws like the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act. By 1990, Earth Day became so popular that it was celebrated by more than 140 countries, according to National Geographic Kids.
Earth Day 2025 theme
Earth Day’s 2025 theme is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, calling for people to unite around renewable energy in an effort to triple clean electricity by 2030.
Those who want to help can join here by educating, advocating and mobilizing local communities, according to earthday.org. You can create or find an Earth action event on the site’s map or get out the word on social media.
You can visit earthday.org to find out how to participate or go here to donate.
Previous Earth Day themes, according to Earth Reminder, include:
- “Planet vs. Plastics” for Earth Day in 2024
- “Invest In Our Planet” for Earth Day in 2022 and 2023.
- “Protect Our Species” for Earth Day in 2019.
- “Environmental and Climate Literacy” for Earth Day in 2017.
- “Mobilize the Earth” for Earth Day in 2012.
- “Trees Please” for Earth Day in 2008.
Seal rescue: At least 3 seals captured on Delaware beaches, treated and released so far this year
Ways to celebrate Earth Day
Big or small, any actions that reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainability are worthwhile in pursuing a healthier, livable planet.
Without having to spend any money, here are a few ways to make your everyday practices more sustainable, from National Geographic Kids:
- Using a reusable bag, which prevents the use of 600 plastic bags.
- Shutting down a computer when it’s not in use. This cuts energy consumption by 85%.
- Walking instead of driving, when applicable. Every mile walked instead of driving is nearly one pound of pollution that is kept out of the air.
- Recycling. A recycled soda can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours.
- Volunteering to pick up trash or collect recyclables in your area.
- Spreading the message about sustainability and conservation.
- Limiting your water usage. Turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth can save up to eight gallons of water a day.
- Turning off lights when you don’t need them on, that also saves money on bills.
- Planting native trees and plants to encourage pollinator gardens and support local ecosystems.
- Reducing, reusing and recycling.
If you’re looking for more ways to make your habits eco-friendly. In that case, Almanac recommends refraining from using pesticides and chemicals in gardens, switching to biodegradable kitchen and household products without chemicals and plastics and assessing your “foodprint” to see how you can reduce food waste.
