As we eagerly approach Earth Day 2024 this April, it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible world we call home! This special day reminds us of the magic in striking a balance between sustainably improving our communities and cherishing our natural wonders.
This month, EarthShare Texas encourages you to renew your dedication to nurturing the planet by participating in a wide variety of local, eco-friendly initiatives across our Texas communities. Whether it’s adopting sustainable habits, championing plant, water, and wildlife conservation, or simply marveling at nature’s wonders, each small step we take contributes to the grand mission of preserving our Earth for generations to come.
Embrace this Earth Day in the spirit of environmental optimism, knowing that every sustainable and community-oriented action you take has the power to make a meaningful difference. Here’s to a joyous and impactful Earth Day 2024!
Photo Credit: TreeFolks
When is Earth Day 2024?
Earth Day happens on April 22nd each year, but our team at EarthShare Texas likes to celebrate all month long. Lucky for us, our nonprofit organizations are hosting a wide variety of events to kickstart your Earth Month festivities! To learn more about Earth Day’s history and how you can celebrate with the EarthShare Texas member network, read on.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is simultaneously a yearly celebration and a call to action for our planet. It’s a day when people from all walks of life come together to honor the incredible gift of nature that surrounds us. For us, Earth Day is an annual reminder to pause and appreciate the beauty of our world—the lush green forests, the vast oceans, and the breathtaking landscapes that fill our world.
It’s also a time to reflect on our impact and consider how we can be better stewards of this precious planet. It’s about taking small steps, like reducing plastic waste or planting trees, that collectively make a big difference. We believe that Earth Day is a chance to join a global movement toward sustainability and make our voices heard for the future of our planet.
Earth Day facts
While we gear up to celebrate this incredible planet, we’re sharing some trivia about Earth Day! From its origins rooted in environmental activism to its evolving role in global consciousness, understanding the history and significance of Earth Day offers valuable insights into our relationship with the planet – keep reading to learn more!
The first Earth Day
Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970, when an estimated 20 million people nationwide attended the inaugural events at tens of thousands of sites including elementary and secondary schools, universities, and community sites across the United States. (Library of Congress)
Photo Credit: Smithsonian Magazine
Raising the flag
The theta ecology flag (pictured right) was created for the first Earth Day celebration by a group of high school students who were protesting the nation’s polluted air and water. The mother of one of the students sewed the 3 x 5 foot flag, which was then carried in procession to the Illinois State capitol. (Smithsonian Magazine)
A global celebration
Every year, roughly one billion individuals engage in Earth Day activities, varying in scale and impact. This accounts for approximately 15% of the global population, rendering Earth Day the most extensive non-religious observance worldwide. (Today Show)
Why is Earth Day important?
Earth Day holds a special place in our heart because it’s a day dedicated to honoring the planet that sustains us all. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the responsibility we have to care for our home. Earth Day is important to EarthShare Texas’ mission of empowering environmental nonprofits because it serves as a catalyst for positive change.
During Earth Month each April, we come together as a community on the local and global level – united in our commitment to protecting the environment and preserving the natural wonders that inspire us. Whether it’s highlighting local produce and farmers, cleaning up local parks, or advocating for environmental policies, Earth Day reminds us that every small effort counts toward building a brighter, more sustainable future for all of us!
Check out our event calendar to find a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities and events that our nonprofit network has planned leading up to Earth Day celebrations across the state, and connect with us on social media to stay updated on what the EarthShare Texas federation has in store for April 22nd and beyond. We’ll see you soon!
