Exploring the History and Significance of Earth Day, and Actions for a Sustainable Future
On Monday the 22nd of April we are celebrating the 54th year of Earth Day. In 1970, the very first Earth Day took place, spreading information and encouraging people to get involved with the fight against climate change and also help inform and educate others on the topic. Since then, millions of people across the globe have joined together to support our environment and stand up against climate change.
Why is this important?
Every year we are seeing declines in local nature, impact on biodiversity, increased extreme weather cases, warmer temperatures and more due to the effects of climate change. We must recognise our impact on the planet and take steps to save our environment. We are causing harm to nature, our surroundings and ultimately ourselves. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and recognise the value of our earth can guide us towards actions that contribute to its preservations. Earth Day is an opportunity to take that step back, reflect and act. It is a yearly reminder that we must do everything we can to mitigate climate change affects.
Earth Day Theme: 60 x 40
This year Earth Day are focusing on the theme of Planet vs Plastic, this is in consideration of the 5-year anniversary of the Great Global Clean Up. They have an interesting press release all about this anniversary . The theme represents the commitment earth day and supporters must end plastic waste. The tagline for this theme is ‘a 60 per cent reduction of all plastics by 2040’ or ‘60×40’.
‘Planet vs. Plastics unites students, parents, businesses, governments, churches, unions, individuals, and NGOs in an unwavering commitment to call for the end of plastics for the sake of human and planetary health….’ –
The theme brings awareness to the global problem that is plastic waste, demanding for change to production of single-use plastics and related topics such as fast fashion.
Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental problems that we face globally. Up to 90% of plastic that is used doesn’t get recycled and ends up in landfill, taking centuries to decompose, or in our rivers and causing harm to our wildlife.
If you want to find out more around of plastic waste and how this can be tackled, we will be covering the topic next week as a whole article of its own.
How can we help?
Check out the Earth Day website and resources: There are plenty of resources on how you can get involved with earth day. Familiarise yourself with who they are and what they do, follow their socials, and read all about their different initiatives.
Sign the Global Plastics Treaty: This is a call to action to support the end of unnecessary plastic production. Things like a ban of plastic related tobacco products, ban of export of plastic waste and more.
Take part in a clean-up: Host or volunteer at a local clean up. We have some scheduled clean up events across County Durham on the seascapes website. Or find events on the Earth Day events page.
Reject fast fashion: Sign the petition on the Earth Day website to encourage change in the fashion industry, and reduce fashion waste.
So, make sure to get involved. It takes all of our efforts to tackle climate change and initiatives like this are an opportunity to get your knowledge up to date and do your bit.
