Earth Day's mission is to "broaden, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide"
Every year, Earth Day drives energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to create a new plan of action for our planet.
A brief history of Earth Day
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Background
The release of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring in 1962 and her revelations about the dangers of pesticides raised awareness and concern for the planet and sparked an environmental movement.
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The first Earth Day
Denis Hayes, an American environmental activist helped to organise the first Earth Day, which took place on 22 April 1970. Around 20 million people took part in protests and rallies around the US.
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Where did it lead?
Earth Day caught the public’s attention and helped put pressure on governments to take environmental issues seriously. It is now one of the largest worldwide events with over a billion people taking part.
Why not get your little eco heroes involved in Earth Day?
There are many ways that children can take part in Earth Day and make a positive impact on the environment. Here are a few ideas:
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Plant a tree
Encourage children to plant a tree in you garden, school or a local park - it doesn’t have to be huge. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen, making them an essential part of the ecosystem.
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Take part in a clean up
Organise a litter cleanup in your local area or a nearby park. Provide gloves, bin bags, and a safe location to dispose of the collected rubbish.
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Reduce, reuse, recycle
Teach children about the importance of reducing waste, reusing items when possible, and recycling materials that can be reused.
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Start a garden
Plant a vegetable garden in your own garden, in a tub or community garden. Children can learn about sustainable food practices, composting, and the benefits of growing their own food.
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Switch off
Encourage children to turn off lights and appliances when they're not in use to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
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Read and watch
Read books and watch documentaries with children to teach them about the environment, climate change, and how they can make a difference.
Or you could download a FREE printable...
“We are part of nature, not separate from it. We are here to live in harmony with the natural world, not to conquer it.”
~ David Suzuki
To learn more about Earth Day, visit the official site…
There are many other environmental awareness days throughout the year to support and celebrate