Earth day is an annual event celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now co-ordinate globally by earth day network and celebrated in more than 193 countries each year.
We are now entering 46th year of a movement that continue to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion and motivate people to action. The movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy towards environmental issues.
Gaylord Anton Nelson (June 4, 1916 July 3, 2005) was an American senator and Governor, who founded the earth day. On April 22, 1970, Millions of Americans took to the streets, parks and auditorium to demonstrate for a healthy sustainable environment in massive coast — coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and university organised protest against the deterioration of environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides realised that they shared common values. This movement had a profound impact on everyone and had also achieved a rare political alignment in the United States.
Earth Day had reached into its current status as the largest secular observance in the world . Today the fight for a clean environment continues with increasing urgency, as the salvages of climate change become more manifest every day.
How to celebrate Earth Day?
Earth Day is usually celebrated with outdoor performances, where individuals and groups perform acts of service to the earth. Here are some ways to celebrate/ commemorate Earth day because mother Earth deserves some appreciation.
1. Plan Trees: Trees helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean pollution, secure soil in place to prevent erosion and provides homes for birds, insects and animals.
2. Join an environment group: Join a local group that undertakes activities to help protect the environment. Earth day is a great day to start getting involved.
3. Remember that every day is an Earth day: Anything to help our environment is a perfect thing to do on earth day and every day.
4. Learn about environment: Earth day is a good time to make a commitment and how you can help to protect it. Read articles to get up to date on the current issues affecting the environment like pollution, water shortages and climate change.
5. Walk to School/Office: It keeps you out of the car and its a great exercise.
6. Give up bottled water: Bottled water consumes huge amount of fossils fuels to produce and transport and most of those recyclable bottles end up in landfills. Get yourself a refillable and permanent water bottle to carry with you.
7. Start buying local: Locally grown foods is easier on the environment. You are also supporting local farmers and they will also thank you for it.
8. Write a letter to your local representative: Reaching out to elected officials and voicing your concern over local environmental issues is one of the best ways to have your voice heard.
9. Organise a community clean up: Get a group together to clean up part your neighbourhood. Cleaning up your local areas can be a great way to celebrate Earth day.
10. Start a pledge at work or at School: Ask friends and co-workers to make a small changes- I won't leave water running while I brush my teeth or I'll turn the lights off when I leave a room - and then to post those pledge for all to see. Working together boots accountability.
11. Find a carpool service: Taking a car off the road is one of the best way to combat climate change.
Issued By Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green Sons)
