The observance of Earth Day on 22 April 2013 tackles the issue of Climate Change head-on. The day focusses on the very real impact on people, animals and landscapes. Thousands of special awareness events will be held across the world and you’re invited to join in.
U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin launched the first Earth Day in 1970 and marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Nelson was moved by the 1969 oil spill off the California coast and inspired by student protests against the Vietnam War. Nelson launched the event to demonstrate support for environmental protection and to force it onto the political agenda. Earth Day rode an emerging consciousness of pollution, gaining the support of Republicans and Democrats. Nelson announced the concept as a “national teach-in on the environment.” With Denis Hayes as a national coordinator, organizing efforts resulted in a turnout of 20 million Americans in a variety of venues such parks, streets, and auditoriums.
Today, the Earth Day Network coordinates global events. The growing awareness of the effects of industrial, modern life on the environment continues to build momentum for Earth Day. Earth Day unites and mobilizes humanity to restore Earth, and it invigorates youth with a respect for the environment.
The Earth Day Network theme for 2013, “The Face of Climate Change,” focuses attention on the impact climate change is having on individuals. More than one billion people around the world are expected to celebrate at galvanizing events such as these:
- British primatologist Jane Goodall will deliver the keynote address at an Earth Day conference in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 15. The lecture is titled “Conservation Everywhere: Sustaining Natural and Cultural Diversity.”
- Earth Day San Francisco, on April 20, will unite more than 15,000 people at Civic Center Plaza in a free event. Festivities include an international music stage, world-famous speakers, organic cooking demonstrations, and a green transportation showcase.
- Union Station in Washington D.C., is hosting Earth Month during April. The event features eco-friendly, interactive activities to raise awareness of environmental topics and promote sustainability.
- Cincinnati, Ohio, will recognize Earth Day with “One Earth…One Chance” at Sawyer Point from noon to 5PM. Events include the Planet Protector Parade, local bands, and a children’s fashion show with clothing created from recycled materials.
- Earth Day Dallas (Texas) is a two-day event, held from 10AM to 6PM at Fair Park. Exhibitors will provide information about environmental topics, “super-healthy” foods will be available, a 5K will be held to raise funds for the DFW truck farm, and the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico will perform, among other activities.
How to mark Earth Day 2013
YOU can celebrate Earth Day in any way you choose to get to know Earth better and restore Earth’s health. Here are some ways to mark this special day:
- Take a hike.
- Become a dedicated eco travel saint wherever you visit in the world.
- Make healthy, local, organic Earth-friendly treats, pack them in reusable containers, and have a picnic.
- Plant a mini-meadow in your garden to encourage bees and butterflies.
- Visit a zoo and appreciate the diversity of wildlife.
- Make a simple solar oven from a box and aluminium foil. Then cook dinner!
- Make Earth Day fashions by finding new uses for old clothes. Cut and decorate them, or change them into something new.
- Read a book about Earth’s beauty.
- Prepare to recycle paper, plastic, glass, metals, and anything your community will recycle. Acquire, label, and set up bins, and learn how to prepare the materials.
Plant a tree or a native plant, nurture it, and watch it grow! - Build a bird feeder, fill it, and hang it up.
- Visit the official Earthday website for more information.
