Earth Day | Who Founded It And Why Is It Important

The History

Earth Day is celebrated on 22nd April every year. It is one of the most widely celebrated environmental events across the world. Gaylord Nelson, a United States Senator was the founder of Earth Day back in 1970. The event was created to raise awareness of environmental issues.

It was in 1990 when Earth Day started being recognized worldwide. In the year 2009, the United Nations renamed Earth Day as International Mother Earth Day. Currently, Earth Day is celebrated in over 192 countries with more than a billion participants.

Every year on the 22nd of April, people from around the globe put effort on recycling along with other green initiative to save our earth. More and more people are being educated on environmental issues allowing Earth Day to gain more supporters. For example in 2011, Earth Day Network planted 28 million trees in Afghanistan. In 2012, at least 100,000 people rode bicycles in China. This initiative is to reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel. In Panama, 100 endangered species of orchids were planted to prevent these orchids from extinction. In 2014, NASA collaborated with the #GlobalSelfie event, where people were asked to take photos of themselves outdoors and post on social medias using the hashtag #GlobalSelfie.

Furthermore, we can do more than just going green only on Earth Day. We should be aware of the environmental issues on a daily basis. Live a sustainable life! Not just “reduce, reuse, and recycle” as you can do more by supporting the environmental friendly companies. Together we can achieve the same green goal.