What is Earth Day? Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day is celebrated in honor of the birth of the modern environmental movement during the 1970s. Why is it celebrated? It is celebrated because many people participate on an everyday basis in protecting our planet from pollution, climate change, and deforestation. Many people like to participate on this day by picking up trash that they see on streets, beaches, and elsewhere. However,  the main goal of this celebration of Earth Day is to demonstrate support for its environmental protection. 

How can I celebrate Earth Day? According to scholastics, there are a few ways to celebrate Earth Day: instead of riding in a car, you can either walk or ride a bike because not only is it good for you but it’s also good for the environment. Another way is by making a bird feeder or birdhouse by using recycled materials like a milk carton, a large water or soda bottle, or pine cones. You can also create recycling bins that you can use to recycle things instead of just throwing them into the trash. By recycling, you can also make compost and use it to grow a variety of plants. Celebrating Earth Day doesn’t mean that you need to make a difference in the world since you can also celebrate it by focusing on yourself. You can spread love to those in your family or community, make positive changes/promises, take care of yourself, and focus on your mental health. According to gradesofgreen.org, you can also celebrate Earth Day by volunteering with organizations that work on helping the environment or you can go outside and help pick up trash. Another way is by attempting to go vegan for one day or by eating local plant-based foods to help reduce fossil fuel footprints. 

Many people celebrate Earth Day and everyone celebrates it differently. In some places in the world, it is known as the day to plant as many trees as you like so that as the years pass by, we are able to continue breathing fresh air. A common thing that people do even when it’s not Earth Day is recycling. Many people like to reuse, reduce, and recycle because that’s better for the environment than using landfills, and you are able to create new things. By recycling, you are able to create compost which contains nutrients that dirt uses in order to be able to grow things. Reusing things is not only a good thing for our planet but you can also save money by not having to buy new things. 

Did you know that schools also celebrate Earth Day? It all depends on where you live and if schools in your district participate. In some schools, students and teachers tend to go outside or near the play areas to pick up any trash they see. Some teachers (mostly in elementary schools) read books to their students about the Earth and talk about why we should take care of it. During lunch, some schools will give out this special dessert treat that includes a cup of chocolate pudding topped with some crushed Oreos and a colorful gummy worm candy to represent the dirt/soil of the earth. Some will do other activities with their students, for example recycling their carton of milk by first washing it and then turning it into a place to plant something. Other younger students in lower grades will usually complete coloring pages relating to Earth Day and its associated activities.