Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day is celebrated with the kickoff of thousands of green programs, activities, and community events around the globe.
Created in 1970 by Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson to raise awareness of environmental issues such as pollution, the holiday has since become the centerpiece of modern environmental activism.
Earth Day has given rise to monumental successes over its 55 years of observance, such as the advancement of landmark environmental laws in the United States and the mobilization of over 1 billion people annually to fight for the Earth’s protection. This year, EARTHDAY.ORG, the organization behind the holiday, is channeling their efforts toward spotlighting the merits of renewable energy with the theme Our Power, Our Planet.
How can I participate?
There are many ways to participate in Earth Day or contribute to sustainability year-round. FCPSGet2Green, an environmental stewardship program for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), offers a variety of suggestions for schools and communities looking to become environmentally conscious:
- Save energy. Unplugging devices not in use, such as computers, televisions, or microwaves reduces the amount of energy being consumed. In the same vein, turning off the lights when leaving the room also accomplishes this objective. Opening the window blinds during the daytime can decrease the number of needed lights and increase the temperature of the room in the winter. As for HVAC, closing the doors and windows when the air conditioning or heat is on and keeping the vents clear is essential.
- Address climate change. The devastating effects of climate change may seem insurmountable; however, there are achievable steps communities can take to usher in a climate-friendly future. For those with a green thumb, planting a few native plants in the backyard is an effective means of helping absorb the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In general, reducing, reusing, and recycling is also of critical importance; because all manufactured products have a carbon footprint, these simple actions go a long way in mitigating humans’ environmental impact. Finally, encouraging sustainable transportation (e.g. walking or biking) whenever possible is another great way to limit excess greenhouse gases. For those who live farther away from their school or workplace, carpooling or public transportation is also a beneficial option.
- Set up a wildlife habitat or an edible garden. While these gardening projects may be time-intensive or laborious, the derived benefits make it all worthwhile. Creating a wildlife habitat provides valuable ecosystem services such as soil health and carbon sequestration while also supporting local biodiversity. Meanwhile, edible gardens serve as a healthy source of nourishment that also lower carbon emissions associated with food transportation or unsustainable agricultural practices. The FCPSGet2Green website (which can be accessed here) provides helpful instructions and resources that can be adapted for personal or community use.
