It’s critical to teach our families, friends, and peers the importance of being kind to our earth. The first Earth Day was celebrated in the U.S. in 1970 to bring national attention to environmental causes and to raise public awareness about air and water pollution. By 1990, Earth Day had gone global, with 200 million people in over 140 nations participating.
This year’s theme is “Environmental & Climate Literacy.”
Education is the foundation for progress. There are two main goals for this year’s Earth Day:
- Building a global citizenry fluent in the concepts of climate change and aware of its unprecedented threat to our planet.
- Empowering everyone with knowledge to inspire action in defense of environmental protection.
Did you know?
- The United States uses about 5% more energy than the world’s second-largest consumer, China.
- Fourteen billion pounds of garbage, mostly plastic, is dumped into the ocean every year. (Conserve Energy Future)
- The average person generates over 4 lbs. of trash every day and about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year.
- Americans make more than 200 million tons of garbage each year, enough to fill Busch Stadium from top to bottom twice a day.
- Almost half of endangered mammals and almost a quarter of endangered birds have been subjected to the damage of climate change, totaling around 700 species. (Scientific American)
What we can do: (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Keep your neighborhood clean.
- Recycle cans, bottles, and paper.
- Help keep the air clean. Ride your bike to school or work!
- Save paper by using both sides. To clean up messes, use sponges or washable cloths instead of paper towels.
- Help save water. Turn it off while brushing your teeth and take quick showers.
- Help save energy. Turn off lights when you leave the room.
Earth Day isn’t just about a one day celebration. It’s about gaining knowledge on the different ways we can take better care of our Earth and making those lifestyle changes that will make a positive and lasting impact.
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