Earth Day 2024: Why was Earth Day created, and how to celebrate it this year
For more than 50 years, Americans have united on one day in April to recognize the need to protect the environment and demand accountability from the government and corporations.
Earth Day 2024 is almost here. Here's everything to know about the day, its history and how it's celebrated.
When is Earth Day 2024?
Earth Day is April 22, 2024.
Each year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22.
Why was Earth Day created?
A massive oil spill polluted the waters in Santa Barbara, California in 1969.
This led to activists and those who recognized the harm industrial pollution was causing to plan the first Earth Day. The creators of Earth Day were inspired by the college student anti-war movement, and focused their efforts on getting college students involved, according to earthday.org.
That first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1970, along with environmental laws like the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act. The Clean Water Act was passed two years later.
When was Earth Day created?
The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970. The date was chosen because it fell between Spring Break and final exams, making it more accessible for college students.
Twenty million Americans participated in that first Earth Day, attending events at elementary and secondary schools, universities and other community sites across the United States.
Who started Earth Day?
The idea for Earth Day came from Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson. He recruited Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, and Denis Hayes, a young activist, to help him plan the first Earth Day.
How many countries celebrate Earth Day?
Today, 192 countries participate in Earth Day.
How is Earth Day celebrated?
Earth Day is celebrated across the globe with protests, service projects and other community events.
This year, the theme of Earth Day is "Planet vs. Plastics." Earthday.org said it is focused on "demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040."
The organization has an Earth Day toolkit with ideas on how to observe Earth Day, whether that's hosting or attending an event, participating in a community clean-up or planting a pollinator garden at home.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: When is Earth Day 2024? Why was Earth Day created? What to know
