When was the first Earth Day? What to know

Ready for Earth Day on April 22?

For more than 50 years, Earth Day has been celebrated every year on April 22. Earth Day is not only to celebrate our planet and its glory, but to emphasize environmental protection and demonstrate the importance of the planet’s health.

You may have heard about Earth Day at school and celebrated it by spending the entire school day outside. As an adult, you can still participate in Earth Day activities and contribute to making the environment healthier.

Who planted, er, created Earth Day?

Gaylord Nelson, a former governor, state senator and U.S. senator from Wisconsin, is credited with sowing the seeds of Earth Day.

He established a political environmental agenda in Washington and came up with the idea of establishing a national school on environmental issues in 1969. This idea came from touring California after a massive oil spill and watching college students raise awareness about the Vietnam War through teaching programs. .

When was the first Earth Day?

It wasn’t long before the US started celebrating Earth Day, following Nelson’s push for environmental education and action.

The first official Earth Day took place one year after his original idea for a national teach-in, on April 22, 1970.

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Why is Earth Day on April 22?

The proposal for this national grassroots event received widespread support and was printed in dozens of newspapers across the country. Thus, Earth Day was finally established and began on April 22, 1970.

April 22 was chosen as the national date for Earth Day because it best fit into college schedules between spring break and final exams. It would be the day of what they called the “National Teach-In on the Environmental Crisis.”

So remember: it’s thyme, we mean time, for Earth Day, April 22 every year.

After April 22: Earth Day as an everyday attitude

How can you celebrate Earth Day on April 22?

This year marks the 54th Earth Day. There are plenty of things everyone can do to make the environment healthier for yourself, others and the earth. The planet cannot do everything alone; it is up to us, earthlings, to take responsibility for the only home we have.

The Farmer’s Almanac suggests 10 things you can do this Earth Day to turn over a new leaf and give yourself a touch of sunlight:

Support the bees by planting pollinator-friendly plants
Pick up the plastic in your area
Go to a park and explore nature
Plant a tree
Plant wildflowers and plants native to where you live
Reduce reuse and recycling
Stop using chemicals in the garden
Save water and practice using water consciously
Think about your diet and avoid wasting produce
Involve your friends, family and children

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Score some incredible Earth Day deals

There are even more ways to sow seeds for a more fertile future: Some of your favorite brands have Earth Day deals on garden supplies, sustainable clothing, clean beauty brands, and eco-friendly materials for the home and kitchen. Here are a few offers to increase your green thumb, reduce your carbon footprint and help you cut it back a bit.

Gardening indoors and outdoors

Sejov: 4-foot Raised Garden Bed Planter at Walmart for $55.99 (Save $84)

Aerogarden: Score the indoor garden system for just $119.95, just in time for Earth Day

The Sill: Save on some houseplants. The Sill Pothos NJoy for $51 (Save $17)

House and kitchen

Brondel: The private label plants a tree with every purchase throughout the month of April.
GreenPan: Shop the brand responsible for up to 40% off Reserve and up to 60% off Sets.
Avocado mattress: Get up to $1,650 off green and luxury mattresses.

Sustainable clothing

All birds: It’s the perfect time to pick up some sustainable kicks and clothes. Several styles are currently marked down in the sale section.
Rothy’s: Flats for under $100 in Rothy’s sales section.
A thousand fell: Select sustainable sneakers receive a 20% discount during the brand’s Archive Sale.

Clean beauty

Amazon: Climate Promise-friendly beauty brands like Kitsch and SheaMoisture are up to 53% off at the mega retailer.
BidetKing: Save up to $300 on bidets throughout the month of April.
Environmentally friendly: Buy eco-friendly fragrances for your home and car and receive a 10% discount with code EARTHDAY2024.
Saje Wellness: Browse last chance wellness products and save 20% on essential oils, candles and soap trios.