What is Earth Day and How You Can Get Involved

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated in over 193 countries held on April 22 to support environmental awareness. On the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere March 21, 1970, activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor our Earth. One month later Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson who later received a presidental Medal of Freedom in recognition for this work.

It is rumored that organizer Julian Koenig had the idea of holding Earth Day on Aprill 22 because that was his date of birth and Earth Day rhymed with Birthday.

Prior to this date, the environment was not a huge concern.

Numerous Earth Day activities and celebrations occur on and around this day of support for our planet. Some communities use this day to clean up trash and others use it to plant trees. How can you get involved? Read on to learn more:

• Earth Hour is usually held the last Saturday of March to kick off the environmental awareness. People from across the globe turn off all their lights and electical devices at 20:30 UT. Kicked off in Sydney Australia in 2007, it is not the world's largest grassroots campaign for the environment.

• The theme this year is to end plastic pollution. You can use the tool on this site to see how much plastic your household consumes and ways to reduce your impact.

• Plant bee friendly wildflowers. The bee is on the endangered list, and it brings life to all Earthligs by pollinating the flowers that we and our livestock consume. When the bees become extinct, life is said to extinguish off Earth within two years. Here's a list on where to start with planting that will attract honeybees and give them their vital food source.

• Plant a few edibles! Even if you live in an apartment you can grow a few things on your windowsill. Google vegetables and herbs that will thrive in your area.

• Conserve water. Take shorter showers, turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth, and more water conservation tips HERE The tips here will help lower your water bill considerably.

• Combine your errands. With a little planning, you can do many errands in one day, reducing your trips and cutting down on vehicle emissions. You'll save a lot on gas, too! Look at that! Protecting the environment fattens your wallet, too!

• Join or organize a group to pick up litter.

• Check your local community, there is bound to be Earth Day celebrations you can join.

• Recycle. It's the law in some places, and others will pay you. Check your local recycling laws.

• Use reusable shopping bags

EarthDay Flag

• Don't use plastic straws

• Use boxes instead of bags and bottles- cardboard recycles and decomposts easier than plastic

• Use reusable containers for your packed lunches

• Use reusable bottles and cups instead of disposing after every drink

With over 7 billion humans and countless other living creatures, it's up to us to support and safeguard this beautiful planet which provides everything for our lives.

What do you do to help support the environment? Share in the comments below!

Images via EarthDay.org and Pixabay