Earth Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Earth Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Earth Day is observed on April 22nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Earth Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you need know about Earth Day.

📅 What day is Earth Day 2024?

In 2024, Earth Day is on Saturday, April 22nd. It is the 4th Saturday in April; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the cool details and facts about April 22, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

For the past half century, people all over the world have been observing Earth Day on April 22nd, with the aim of increasing awareness about the state of our environment. Some may view this as just another holiday, similar to St. Patrick’s Day where people wear green and flower crowns. However, given the current concerns about our changing environment, which are being studied and addressed by prominent scientists, politicians, and young climate change activists, many individuals are adopting environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives, rather than just on April 22nd each year. In order to protect the well-being of turtles and contribute to a sustainable future, it is important to engage in activities such as composting, recycling, reusing items, carpooling, shopping at thrift stores, and using metal straws.

📜 Earth Day History

Today, we are confronted with similar challenges that are unfortunately much worse than the original oil spill. The increasing occurrence of natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, and the rising global temperatures may seem insurmountable for an individual, let alone for millions or billions of people. The disappearance of coral reefs, the distressing sight of animals with litter in their stomachs or entangled around them both on land and in the sea, and the ongoing damage to our air and living spaces by large factories and corporations worldwide are all concerning issues. However, even a simple action like picking up trash on the sidewalk, which would otherwise end up harming animals or polluting water, can have a significant impact. It is a step in the right direction and can make a meaningful difference.

✅ Earth Day Facts

🔖 Less food waste means less greenhouse gas
A lot of people don’t realize that when we waste food and don’t eat it, it leads to the creation of more greenhouse gases as we have to transport and decompose the trash.

🔖 Climate change effects temperatures and weather
The United States Global Change Research Program states that the temperature in the US has increased by 2 degrees in the past 50 years, accompanied by a 5% rise in precipitation. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in extreme weather events over the same period. In 2019 alone, over 120,000 records for extreme weather were broken in the United States.

🔖 Record high carbon dioxide
According to the National Geographic Society, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have reached unprecedented heights, which can be attributed to a combination of natural factors and the advancements in industrialization worldwide since the 1700s.

👍 Why Is Earth Day Important

The reason we continue to celebrate Earth Day and why we enjoy it is that it is founded on people working together in harmony to build a better future for all. Connecting with individuals all around the world is essential for maintaining appreciation and respect for people from various nations as well as diverse points of view. Nobody is left out or behind; everyone can do something tiny to save our world.

You don’t need to grow a forest to celebrate Earth Day. Even if you think that reusing your metal water bottle instead of buying a plastic bottle or a styrofoam coffee cup is insignificant, your small actions can have a big impact on the world we live in.Now that you’re aware that climate change affects all of us, do your bit to make good changes wherever you go; no matter how tiny, they add up, and this is your time to make a difference.

Earth Day serves as a thoughtful reminder of how fragile our environment can be and how our actions can have a positive or negative impact on the planet we live on. This festival helps to remind us of what we need to do to safeguard our home, as well as what we can do today in light of all the harm we’ve already done to our planet. Not everyone must take to the streets to protest, but we must all be reminded to maintain the proper mindset: not to live in continual fear of the world burning down and flooding, but also not to live in ignorance.

🙂 How To Observe Earth Day

⚡ Switch up your diet
Many people understand that food production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about one-quarter to one-third of global emissions. The meat industry is particularly responsible for a large portion of these emissions. The BBC reports that if everyone in the world adopted a vegetarian diet and stopped consuming red meat by 2050, food-related emissions could decrease by approximately 60%. However, opting for a vegan lifestyle could further reduce emissions by almost 70%. This information suggests that trying out alternatives like the ‘Beyond Meat’ burgers might be worth considering.

⚡ Reduce your carbon footprint
Experiment with different approaches to alter your daily commute or a specific aspect of your regular schedule. Instead of relying on driving alone, consider carpooling with friends, utilizing public transportation, or opting for alternative modes of transport like walking, skating, scooting, or biking. Depending on the weather conditions, you may find these new methods more appealing than being stuck in traffic.

⚡ Reuse, and recycle your wardrobe
While it might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, your choices regarding your wardrobe and shopping habits can have a significant negative impact on the environment. Opting for second-hand or lightly used clothing when shopping online helps reduce the need for new resources to produce more garments that will eventually end up being recycled, reused, or discarded. Studies suggest that online shopping is also more environmentally friendly, as it requires approximately 30% fewer resources compared to traditional retail. So, consider making sustainable choices and perhaps even opening the Amazon Prime app!

📅 When is Earth Day?

Discover all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Earth Day. So be sure to check back soon.