When is Earth Day? What you need to know about the upcoming day of celebrating the protection of our home

Next week is our planet’s annual celebration, but do you know why we celebrate it?

Here’s what you need to know about Earth Day.

When is Earth Day 2024?

In the United States, Earth Day falls on April 22 every year, but according to National Geographic, other parts of the world celebrate it on the day of the vernal equinox.

Why do we celebrate Earth Day?

Earth Day is about celebrating the progress of the environmental movement and its efforts to help the planet.

“Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect the Earth’s natural resources for future generations,” according to National Geographic.

When was the first Earth Day?

The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970 and essentially set the stage for the environmental movement. It was organized by politicians and students concerned about preserving the environment.

“Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans – at the time 10% of the total population of the United States – to take to the streets, in parks and in auditoriums to demonstrate against the consequences of 150 years of industrial development, which left a growing legacy of dire consequences for human health,” according to EarthDay.org.

The first Earth Day also led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which was responsible for passing the first major environmental laws, including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, and just two years later, the Clean Water Act.

How do we celebrate Earth Day today?

Earth Day continues to be celebrated through activism and individuals doing their part by volunteering in their communities and educating themselves on environmental issues.

In Indianapolis, you can celebrate Earth Day at Garfield Park, the Indianapolis Zoo, the JCC, Tarkington Park and more.

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman.

This article originally appeared on the Indianapolis Star: Earth Day 2024: When is it? Why do we celebrate?