Brief History of Earth Day
The first Earth Day actually consisted of two separate celebrations in 1970, one on March 21st and the other on April 22nd, organized by John McConnell and US Senator Gaylord Nelson. The efforts were merged and the April 22nd event grew in popularity. By the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, Earth Day was mobilizing millions of people across the globe. Earth Day is when we celebrate nature, raise awareness about environmental issues, learn of ways to lighten our footprint on the planet, and send a message to the rest of the world that we care about our environment.
A Time to Reflect
Earth Day is a great time to reflect. Are the decisions you make day-to-day in line with how you really want to live your life? If not, what steps can you take to make the two converge? There are many things you can do to help the environment; which should you focus on for the next year? Reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Reducing nutrient or sediment runoff on your property? Participate in a citizen-science, conservation-minded project? Ask yourself which of your strengths you can use to help those around you make environmentally sound decisions. You may be a persuasive leader who can provide that little extra push that we often need, or you may be an introvert who can successfully lead by example. Which issues do you know less about? Decide on important local or global issues you would like to learn more about, and go for it. Use this day to commit to changes that will make a difference for the whole year.
Of course, Earth Day is also a time to celebrate, mingle, dance, and party!
Big City Events
Denver: Multiple events. Check out the link for the Earth Day Fair, and events at the Zoo, Botanical Gardens, museums, and nearby National Parks.
Los Angeles: A variety of events are held all over the city. For example, Children's Earth Day at STAR Eco Station, 10101 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, April 19th 10am. Visit an Earth Day Fair at UCLA, Wednesday April 23rd starting at 10am in the field next to the Pauley Pavilion.Â
New York City: The big event is Sunday April 19th from 12 to 7pm on Union Square. Kids’ activities, exhibits, samples, and live music.
Montreal: Whether it’s Earth Day or Jour de la terre, it’s listed here.
Phoenix: Multiple events. On Saturday April 18th, the Phoenix Zoo is where it’s at.
San Diego: Many events throughout the city, including EarthFair held on Sunday April 19, Balboa Park.
San Francisco: Multiple events, with the biggest bash on Saturday April 18th, 22nd Street between Mission and Valencia streets.
Seattle: Multiple events, including fun for kids at the Tacoma Nature Center and at the Seward Park Environmental and Audubon Center.
Washington, DC: Join the crowd for a Earth Day concert at the National Mall on Saturday April 18th, and much more.
Local Earth Day Events
Many communities hold Earth Day, including at local schools, places of worship, and businesses. Check your local calendar of events to participate. It can be a way to share good times with your kids, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews. Maybe even consider lending a hand next year.
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