Happy Earth Day!
Today, April 22nd, 2022, is Earth Day, an annual day of celebration, reflection, and action observed by over a billion people on the planet. Earth Day encourages individuals to reflect on the environment and climate change. It is also a call to action to create change on a global, national and local scale. This year, in light of the growing climate crisis, it is more crucial than ever that we come together as individuals and take collective action to Invest In Our Planet.
50 Years of Action
Earth Day was born in America in 1970 as a response to the growing pollution caused by the rapid industrialisation of the 19th and 20th centuries. Organisations and charities had been campaigning individually about oil spills, pollution, and the loss of wildlife and biodiversity. They then drew together over their common vision for a happier and healthier America. Since then, Earth Day has spread across the globe and is now celebrated in over 174 countries.
This year, the theme of Earth Day is to Invest In Our Planet, to build a brighter and more sustainable future while we still can.
There Is No Planet B
Earth Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the environment and climate change. There are many events that you can take part in, such as community clean-ups, planting trees, or online webinars. Earth Day is also the perfect time to reflect on and move to a more sustainable and eco-conscious way of living.
Moving towards a plant-based diet is one of the biggest ways to Invest In Our Planet. The consumption of meat and dairy products is responsible for over a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. 80% of this comes from the production of livestock. By switching to a plant-based diet, or even by following ‘Meat Free Fridays’ or switching to non-dairy milk, you can reduce your carbon footprint and take your first step towards fighting climate change and choosing a more sustainable future.
Of course, switching up your diet isn’t the only way to Invest In Our Planet.
In a world dominated by fast fashion brands that encourage overconsumption, we can take Earth Day as a time to pause and think about our buying habits and move to a lower consumption lifestyle.
Similarly, we could use today to start making small lifestyle changes. These could include using a reusable water bottle or choosing public transport over an Uber for your Friday night out.
Use Your Voice!
We all have a responsibility to fight for our futures, and the first step is through small individual lifestyle changes. We must also remember that corporations and governments hold the key to a sustainable future.
For real change to happen, businesses, governments, and citizens must come together and choose a greener future. You can help by making your voice heard. By voting for green policies, signing petitions, or even by voting with your money and supporting businesses, banks, or companies with climate-friendly practices, we can send a clear message that now is the time to Invest In Our Planet.
However you spend Earth Day – as a day of reflection, action, or as the start of a new sustainable habit – we encourage you to join the movement today. Start fighting for your future and your planet at https://www.earthday.org/.
Blog by volunteer writer, Kat Quinn