When is Earth Day? Knock your stalks off by celebrating Mother Earth in several ways
Ready for Earth Day on April 22?
For more than 50 years, Earth Day has been celebrated every year on April 22. Earth Day isn’t just to celebrate our planet and its glory, but to emphasize protecting the environment and demonstrating the importance of planetary health.
You might’ve learned about Earth Day in school and celebrated it by spending the entire school day outside. As an adult, you can still partake in Earth Day activities and contribute to making the environment healthier.
Who planted, er, created Earth Day?
Gaylord Nelson, a former governor, state senator and U.S. senator from Wisconsin, is credited with sowing the seeds of Earth Day.
He built a political environmental agenda in Washington and had the idea to create a national teach-in about environmental issues in 1969. This idea came from touring California after a huge oil spill and watching university students raise awareness of the Vietnam War with teach-ins.
When was the first Earth Day?
It didn't take long for the U.S. to start celebrating Earth Day following Nelson's push for environmental education and action.
The first official Earth Day happened a year after his initial idea for a national teach-in, on April 22, 1970.
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Why is Earth Day on April 22?
The proposal for this nationwide grassroots event became widely supported and printed in dozens of newspapers across the country. Thus, Earth Day was eventually established and began on April 22, 1970.
April 22 was chosen as the national date for Earth Day because it best fit in college schedules between spring break and final exams. It would be the day of what they named the “National Teach-In on the Crisis of the Environment.”
So remember, it's thyme, we mean time, for Earth Day every year on April 22.
Beyond April 22:Earth Day as an everyday attitude
How can you branch out and celebrate Earth Day on April 22?
This year is the 54th Earth Day. There are plenty of things everyone can do to make the environment healthier for yourself, others and the Earth. The planet can’t do everything on its own — it’s up to us Earthlings to hold responsibility over the only home we have.
The Farmer’s Almanac suggests 10 things you can do on Earth Day to turn over a new leaf and give yourself a dapple of sunlight:
- Support the bees by planting pollinator-friendly plants
- Pick up the plastic in your neighborhood
- Go to a park and explore nature
- Plant a tree
- Plant wildflowers and plants native to where you live
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle
- Stop using chemicals in the garden
- Conserve water and practice mindful use of water
- Think about your diet and prevent the wasting of produce
- Get your friends, family, and kids involved
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Score some unbeleafable Earth Day deals
There are even more ways to sow seeds for a more fruitful tomorrow — some of your favorite brands have Earth Day deals with gardening supplies, sustainable clothing, clean beauty brands, and environmentally friendly materials for home and kitchen. Here are a few deals to help enhance your green thumb, decrease your carbon footprint, and help you trim it back a little bit.
Indoor and outdoor gardening
Sejov: 4-Foot Raised Garden Bed Planter Box at Walmart for $55.99 (Save $84)
Aerogarden: Score the indoor gardening system for just $119.95 just in time for Earth Day
The Sill: Save on some houseplants. The Sill Pothos NJoy for $51 (Save $17)
Home and Kitchen
- Brondell: The home brand is planting a tree with any purchase for the entire month of April.
- GreenPan: Shop the brand responsible for up to 40% off Reserve and up to 60% off sets.
- Avocado Mattress: Get up to $1,650 off Green and Luxury mattresses.
Sustainable clothing
- Allbirds: It’s the perfect time to pick up a pair of sustainable kicks and clothing. Several styles are marked down in the sale section right now.
- Rothy’s: Flats for under $100 in Rothy’s sale section.
- Thousand Fell: Select sustainable sneakers are 20% off during the brand’s Archive Sale.
Clean Beauty
- Amazon: Climate pledge-friendly beauty brands such as Kitsch and SheaMoisture are up to 53% off at the mega-retailer.
- BidetKing: Save up to $300 on bidets during the whole month of April.
- Enviroscent: Shop eco-friendly fragrances for your home and car and get 10% off with code EARTHDAY2024.
- Saje Wellness: Browse last-chance wellness products, and save 20% on essential oils, candles and soap trios.