For many of us, it’s hard to imagine a time when the environmental protections of the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act were not present, however prior to 1970 this was the case. In the 1960’s there was a growing concern about the impact of pollution and other environmental impacts on human health and the natural world. Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring, published in 1962, warned about the dangers of pesticides and their impact on the environment, which in turn led to the environmental movement of the 1960’s.

Seizing upon the civil rights, antiwar, and environmental movements at that time, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin saw an opportunity to deepen public consciousness about air and water pollution. After attracting Denis Hayes, a young activist, to the idea, Earth Day started to take shape moving from a “teach-in” focused on students between Spring Break and final exams, hence April 22, to a national event that engaged 20 million Americans. Senator Nelson later wrote, “My primary objective in planning Earth Day was to show the political leadership of the Nation that there was broad and deep support for the environmental movement.” This event was a catalyst that led to the passage of important environmental legislation and included the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Now, 53 years later, Earth Day has become an annual event that is celebrated around the world as a platform for people to come together and act. For 2023, the theme for World Earth Day is “invest in our planet,” an opportunity for businesses, governments, and people around the world to improve our environment and give our descendants a better, safer future. Whether you address environmental justice, climate change, recycling or picking up trash along the roadside, anything and everything we do makes a difference one act at a time.

Here are ten things you can do to celebrate earth day in your community.

1. Participate in a trash clean up event 

   Americans produce over 250 tons of trash each year, and unfortunately some of this waste ends up in our watersheds. Plastics, metals, and electronic waste can be harmful to water quality, wildlife, and human health.

2. Plant trees along stream edges to help prevent erosion 

   Trees are important members of any ecosystem, and are particularly helpful in stabilizing stream banks. Root systems trap sediment and groundwater, while also providing a barrier to slow the flow of nutrients, chemicals, or pollutants.  

3. Plant a pollinator garden

   Pollinators are experiencing a decline in population due to habitat loss and climate change. Around 75% of global food production is dependent on pollinators. Adding a few native plants to your lawn or garden can help attract pollinators.

4. Calculate your carbon footprint

   Learn more about your environmental footprint. This can be a useful tool in helping you determine what consumption habits you can alter to help lower your footprint.

5. Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and electronics when you’re not using them

   Electronics can consume energy even when we aren’t actively using them. By reducing your energy use, you’ll also save on your electric costs.

6. Learn more about what organizations in your area are doing to help care for the earth 

   Discover the change that is happening in your community. If there are organizations looking for volunteers, this could be a great opportunity to give back to your community – and hopefully feel good doing it!

7. Start a compost pile 

   It’s estimated that about 30% of food production results in food waste. You can compost food scraps such as vegetable scraps, fruit peels, grass clippings, leaves, coffee filters, egg shells, paper towels, sawdust, and even small pieces of cotton products. Maintain your compost pile by regularly turning the compost to ensure proper decomposition. You could add your compost to your newly created pollinator garden!

8. Reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling, walking, or biking more often. 

   Vehicles account for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions. If you’re able, try carpooling with a friend, family member, or colleague.   

9. Support your local farmers 

   What we put on our plates is important. By supporting local farmers you are shortening the travel distance from field to fork – cutting down on emissions and energy inputs. In addition, you can choose to select products that are grown or raised in an environmentally responsible manner. By eating more plant-based meals, you will also significantly reduce your footprint. 

10. Share your passion for the environment with others  

    a.       Sharing a stewardship message with others through social media or other means can be a great way to communicate solutions to complex environmental problems. Share your excitement for environmental topics with others, and it’s likely that more will become interested in getting involved! 

Learn more about Earth Day and other ways you can get involved at earthday.org.