What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual celebration of our planet and all of the incredible natural beauty it has to offer. Every year on April 22, people from all over the world come together to show their love and appreciation for the environment. Over time, Earth Day has become a global movement. Millions of people participate in various activities and initiatives to advocate for sustainable practices and address severe environmental challenges. Climate change, pollution, and deforestation are all prevalent and pressing concerns. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to care for the planet we call home and to work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Since the first Earth Day in 1970, celebrations have done nothing but grow. What began as a small national event has turned into a 190+ country network with over 1 billion people mobilized for action. Keep reading to learn how celebrations differ across the globe!
United States
You’re probably familiar with how the US celebrates this green holiday. From rallies, teach-ins, cleanups, and gardening events, there are tons of activities to promote the cause. Some cities even host festivals specifically dedicated to the day. Curious about what events may be held around you? EarthDay.org makes them easy to find here!
For example, Hawai’i is attempting the largest dive cleanup in the world! Making waves this Earth Day, Kanu Hawai’i has partnered with government and nonprofit organizations to host a statewide dive cleanup. The goal to remove thousands of pounds of trash from the ocean will promote environmental awareness and improve the health of coastal waters.
Japan
Earth Day Tokyo began in 2001 and since then, boasts more than 100,000 visitors each year. This two-day event in Yoyogi Park features a variety of educational activities as well as booths and workshops for all ages. This event has encouraged sustainability and conservation across Japan, and many other cities across the country have taken inspiration.
England
England hosts many events throughout the country. This year, 100,000 people are expected to attend a 4-day gathering outside of Westminster and Parliament. Supported by organizations like Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, each day brings a different agenda. From marches, rallies, music, fun, and artistic workshops, join the community as they “Unite to Survive.”
India
In partnership with Earth Day, India Trust launched in 2010 to introduce environmental programs to all demographics. To them, Earth Day is not just a day, it is a full-blown movement. Restoring ecosystems, global climate literacy, and ending plastic pollution are just some of the campaigns India has put in place to strive toward a better future.
Switzerland
This year, Switzerland turned Earth Day into a month-long march: The Blue March. From April 1st to April 22nd, participants will walk from Geneva to Bern to rally Switzerland to respect the Paris Agreement. As they march, they urge Switzerland to reduce greenhouse emissions to reach net zero by 2050.
Canada
Every Earth Day in Canada begins with a ceremonial tree planting. This year, Canada partnered with MacMaster University to plant 250 trees. This batch of trees signifies the end of a project initiated by MacMaster University to plant 1,000 trees in order to create a carbon sink forest.
Australia
Australia is celebrating Earth Day with three days of festivities! With the theme “Restore Our Earth” Australia is striving towards reducing negative environmental impacts on the planet and focusing on rebuilding after the effects of covid and many natural disasters. Not only are they dedicating these efforts to life on land, but in the ocean as well. The magnificent Great Barrier Reef faces grave dangers due to climate change, and Earth Day 2023 is a stern reminder and push to make a change.
Zimbabwe
Ready to party? Zimbabwe is hosting its second annual Earth Day Fiesta to share the African climate story. Boasting music, art, food, and environmental avocation, there is something for everyone. A day full of tradition, the fiesta will bring together individuals from across Africa.
Flume and Earth Day
There are so many fun and creative ways to get involved on Earth Day: planting trees, cleaning up litter, or swapping your daily drive for a bike ride cruise. Make a splash with Flume in our fight against water waste, because even small changes can make a big impact on the planet. The fight starts at home, and it starts with you. Flume makes it easy to make a difference. Use this Earth Day to learn about the importance of sustainability and to take action toward protecting our planet for future generations!
