People around the world will be celebrating Earth Day on Friday, the 22nd of April for the 41st time this year. Today more than ever we need to be reminded of the importance of protecting and preserving the “well-being” of our Earth, the only one we have!
Earth Day is a name used for two different observances, both held worldwide annually. While some people celebrate Earth Day around the time of the vernal equinox, others observe the occasion on April 22 each year. Earth Day aims to inspire awareness of and appreciation for earth’s environment. It is currently observed in more than 140 countries around the world.
What is the exact background of this special day?
The April 22 Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.
Some people prefer to observe Earth Day around the time of the March equinox. In 1978, American anthropologist Margaret Mead added her support for the equinox Earth Day, founded by John McConnell. She stated that the selection of the March Equinox for Earth Day made planetary observance of a shared event possible.
How can we celebrate Earth Day with our families?
Kids of all ages enjoy activities held outside and Earth Day happens to be just one of those days where there is a bounty of fun activities we can do in and around our home. Try one of these fun ideas to make this upcoming Earth Day memorable and meaningful for your family:
- start a small garden or if you can plant a tree in your backyard
- go into to the park near your house and do a spring cleaning: pick up any garbage or clean up broken tree branches
- go on a nature hike
- participate in an Earth Day celebration held by the school or your community
- read a book to your child(ren) about endangered animals or plants
- visit the a local farm
- visit a recycling plant
- make crafts/art from recycled materials
- collect spring water from a natural spring
Last weekend I have participated at a local Earth Day celebration and served up green smoothies to all the folks who came by. Everyone loved my creation, which was very simple: banana, kale, mango and a bit of water. I was quite lucky to have some very enthusiastic little helpers with true entrepreneurial spirit. While I was blending up the smoothies inside, my daughter and her little friend opened up their own smoothie concession and served up the green drinks to the passers by. How cute!!! They were so proud of themselves and even made a small amount from donations the kind passers by gave them.
This was really the funnest way to celebrate Earth Day!
What do you think?
What kind of activities do you have planned to celebrate Earth Day with your family?
Post your comments below!