What is Earth Day? 

Earth Day is held every year on the 22nd of April. The main aim of the event is to highlight the need for action in regards to the climate emergency. It gives us an opportunity to demonstrate support and commitment to environmental protection. 

Earth Day was established in the USA in 1970 as part of the response to a catastrophic oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. It was originally intended to be a ‘teach-in’ event on college campuses led by Senator Gaylord Nelson. He wanted to educate the general population about the environmental issues that the USA were facing. However, the first Earth Day saw groups who had been protesting about separate, yet related, issues come together to join forces and highlight the issues as a group. This took the form of 20 million Americans taking to the streets to protest and demonstrate their frustration. The protests attracted a wide array of citizens from across the spectrum of American society with people from urban areas alongside those from rural areas, Democrats alongside Republicans and people from an array of economic backgrounds. Despite their perceived differences, they were united for the cause. By the end of the year, Earth Day had helped to facilitate the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency as well as laws such as the Clean Air Act. 

Twenty years later, Earth Day went global. In 1990, more than 200 million people from 141 countries took part in related events. The focus for that year was recycling and it paved the way for the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. 

From that point on, the event has only continued to grow and grow. The main themes across the years have been; climate action; science and education; people and communities; conservation and restoration and plastic and pollution. 

For the first time in the event’s history they are repeating a theme. Like last year, this year’s theme is ‘Invest in Our Planet’. You can watch their campaign video here. We are once again being asked to find ways to dedicate our time, resources and energy to solving the climate crisis. 

So, how can you get involved? 

Take a look at this interactive map from earthday.org that shows all the events that are happening across the world. From litter picks to festivals and markets, there’s a lot going on across the Central Belt and even more across England and Wales. If you’d like, you can also plan your own event. Earth Day have provided a handy toolkit on their website. 

If you’d rather do something at home and you have some outside space, try planting a pollinator garden. Research which species of insect are native to your area and see what plants would help them thrive. Then you can enjoy watching all the bees, butterflies and other insects enjoy your hard work. 

Remember that the principles of Earth Day apply year-round so take the chance to look at ways in which you can change your habits for the long term. For example, look to reducing your plastic consumption and your use of single use plastic. Or, have a look at the way you consume fashion. Try to make more sustainable choices by either buying from sustainable brands or buying second hand from charity shops or apps like Vinted. 

If you want to use your money to reflect the principles of Earth Day, get in touch so that we can help you make your money change your world.