Showing love for our planet, Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash

Each year on April 22 people gather and demonstrate their dedication to protecting our environment on Earth Day by hosting clean ups, spending the day out in nature, and teaching others about prevalent environmental issues.

Earth Day honors and acknowledges the achievements of past environmental movements and stresses the importance of working toward a long-term, sustainable future. More than one billion people in 193 countries around the world take action in some way on Earth Day each year. What’s interesting about Earth Day is that there is a new theme selected for the day each year. This year, Earth Day’s theme is Planet vs. Plastic.

But, why isn’t Earth Day everyday?

The Origins of Earth Day

Protect our Planet, Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Before the 1970s, no environmental regulations were imposed on factories in regards to the disposal of industrial byproducts. The release of massive black clouds of toxic smoke and the dumping of hazardous waste into waterways was commonplace for most factories in the early 20th century because there were no consequences for their actions. The Environmental Protection Agency, the US federal institution that is responsible for environmental protection and the regulation of pollutants, did not exist.

However, in the spring of 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin proposed Earth Day after witnessing the ecological consequences of pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Earth Day was introduced as a way to bring attention to and solve ongoing environmental issues that plagued the planet.

Surprisingly, Earth Day was created with young students in mind. April 22 was chosen as Earth Day because it conveniently fell between spring break and final exams. Earth Day would not be what it is today without the actions of students across the globe. Grassroots environmental activism and change stems from the bright ideas and resiliency of youth.

Nelson was successful in garnering the support of individuals across the United States on the first Earth Day with over 20 million people nationwide attending the inaugural events.

Planet vs. Plastic

Plastic Pollution in the Oceans, Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash

Planet vs. Plastics is the theme for Earth Day 2024. People are constantly and carelessly disposing of plastic which has harmful effects on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Large plastics can potentially end up in waterways where they are mistaken for food by aquatic animals and cause starvation, intestinal blockage, and sometimes suffocation. Up to 100 million marine animals die each year from ingesting plastic waste.

Microplastics, small plastics that result from the slow decomposition of plastic materials, are even more harmful than large plastics in some ways because they often spread to food products and are ingested by humans. Alarmingly, plastics will never fully degrade once they are produced. The mass production and consumption of plastics by humans has and will continue to wreak havoc on our environment and cause irreparable damage.

This year’s Earth Day theme will raise awareness of the impact of plastics on ecosystems around the world and encourage people to use plastic in more sustainable ways or transition to plastic substitutes that aren’t as harmful to the environment. Environmental activists around the world will be taking action this Earth Day by collecting and properly disposing of plastic products in their local communities.

How Can You Help?

Photo by Photo Boards on Unsplash

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Dispose of plastic products in recycling bins, repurpose plastic bottles into crafts for young kids, or consider purchasing a reusable water bottle!

2. Community Cleanups: Communities often host trash cleanups on Earth Day that are open to the public. Join your community’s clean up this year to prevent trash and plastic waste from harming wildlife.

3. Educate: Stay updated on current environmental issues and teach your friends and family about ways they can live more sustainably.

4. Conserve Water: Don’t take excessively long showers (we’ve all been there) or leave faucets running when not in use. Invest in a dishwasher instead of hand washing your dishes.

5. Plant a Tree: Trees sequester carbon dioxide which can help offset carbon dioxide emitted by vehicles. Trees also provide food, protection, and habitats for many organisms which helps preserve biodiversity.

6. Clean Transportation: Use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk to work or school to reduce your carbon footprint. This can reduce carbon emissions by 20 pounds each day.

7. Choose a sustainable lifestyle.

Although Earth Day is only one day per year, you should always be thinking about the impact your actions can have on the environment. Implementing sustainable practices in your daily routine is the only way we will achieve our environmental goals as a planet.

Changing our habits and way of living will prevent this cycle of waste and pollution from repeating itself. We can clean up communities and replant trees until our backs break, but none of it will matter if we don’t change our ways. Keep in mind, even simplest of changes can make an impact.

Recap

Earth Day is essentially 24 hours set aside to honor the environment and attempt to mitigate the impact humans have had on it. This year, the theme of Earth Day is Planet vs. Plastic to raise awareness of the impact of plastic waste on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Do your part to take action for Earth Day this year by volunteering at a local clean up, planting a tree, or adding a new sustainable practice to your daily routine. We would not be here without the Earth — it is our responsibility to preserve it.

References

1. EPA History
2. Condor Ferries
3. Earth Day
4. Ocean Service
5. Britannica