Earth Day 2020
Earth Day was an initiative started in 1970 as a response to the growing environmental crisis in the United States. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets to protest environmental ignorance and demand change. In response to the first ever Earth Day, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created. Since then, many other countries including Canada have joined the movement and created policies to protect the Earth. Earth Day became an international movement in 1990. Over 193 countries and over 1 billion people now participate in what has become the world’s largest environmental movement.
2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The theme this year is “Climate Action”. Every year, Earth day brings us to the streets with signs and posters in solidarity with everyone around the world fighting for the cause. Unfortunately, this year we are stuck in our homes, but this shouldn’t stop you from taking action. EarthDay.org is urging us to take the conversation online; so check out the events, activities and speakers they are hosting tomorrow.
You can also show that you care by making an Earth Day window sign. Hang your sign in the window or somewhere it can be viewed from street. Show your community that you are participating in #earthdayathome and care about the planet. I also urge you to use recycled and non-toxic materials to create your sign, so that it has little or no impact on the environment. I used cardboard from my recycling and non-toxic watercolour paint. Get creative with your sign and post it on social media to extend your reach. Use hashtags that will connect people to more info about Earth Day and what they can do to make a difference. #earthday2020 #earthdayathome #earthrise #artforearth #earthday
I also challenge you all to make an Earth Day promise (and keep it throughout the year). What will you do this year to combat climate change. I wrote my promises on the back of my earth day window sign, so that it faces indoors to remind me of what promises I’ve made to the Earth this year.
Need some inspiration? Here are some of the Earth Day promises I’ve made in the past.
Dear Earth,
I promise to share my knowledge about climate change, ocean acidification and rising seas with others
I promise to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse
I promise to promote biodiversity in my backyard by planting native plants for my pollinator friends (birds, bees, bats, etc.)
I promise to pick up at least 3 pieces of garbage every time I visit the beach
I promise to go meatless at least 2 days a week
I promise to ride my bike to work/school instead of driving
I promise to immerse myself in your beauty more often
I promise not to litter
I promise to plant 2 native trees this spring
I promise to eat all of my dinner and not waste any food
I promise to start an herb and vegetable garden
I promise to use natural fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers
I promise to eat local and in-season foods
I promise to eat sustainable/ oceanwise seafood
HAPPY EARTH DAY!
