International Mother Earth Day

International Earth Day. An opportunity to raise global public awareness of the challenges of the wellbeing of the planet and all the life it supports.

International Mother Earth Day is on On 22nd April and recognizes a collective responsibility to promote harmony with nature and the earth.

The first Earth Day

It was spring 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day with the support of 20 million Americans rallying in several US cities. After ten years after the beginning of the Industrialisation Era, he wanted to force the issue of irresponsible production by large manufacturers. How was it perfectly legal for a factory to spew back clouds of toxic smoke into the air, or dump tons of toxic waste into a nearby stream? The first Earth Day was very much effective at raising awareness about environmental issues, transforming public attitudes and kicking off the ‘Environmental decade with a bang’, as Senator Nelson later put it. During the 70s, a number of important pieces of environmental legislation were passed, among them the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act, The Toxic Substances Control Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was born.

This year, for its 51^st Anniversary, under the theme ‘Restore our Earth’, Earthday.org will be organising a live digital event from the 20^th to the 22^nd April, ending with a global summit featuring world leaders, grassroots activists, non-profit innovators, industry leaders, artists, musicians, influencers and youngsters.

International Mother earth day: Restore our Earth

Wondering what kind of concrete action, you can take to restore our earth? When on this International Mother Earth Day know that consumerism plays a huge role in climate change and everyone can make a difference. Here are some tips to get you started towards positive action: 

1. You can start creating positive change by eating less meat. If you are not ready to become vegan, try Meatless Mondays. 
2. Buy less, choose well, make it last! We cannot consume our way to a more sustainable world. Therefore, buy less stuff in the first place.
3. Choose local products. This does not only mean a reduced environmental footprint, but it also helps the local workforce and small local business owners. 
4. Eliminate plastic from your life. Say no to plastic bags and take your own reusables when shopping. Avoid useless packaging and kickstart a zero-waste lifestyle. 
5. Fight food waste by meal prep and composting. If you don’t have a backyard, offer to donate your compost to a farmer.
6. Turn off the lights and unplug any electrical appliance when not in use. 

How?

1. Educate yourself. Read more about Earth Day’s activities and learn about the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
2. Join and support organisations that promote environmental sustainability, volunteer for clean-ups and help spread awareness amongst your own network.
3. Connect with nature! Create a green corner in your house or office, and plant more trees.
4. Integrate a green routine of more walking and less driving in your car. Perhaps buy a bicycle, share a ride or consider an electric vehicle. 
5. Buy organic food and goods to keep your body and the environment free of toxic pesticides. This way you will be helping natural pollinators to continue with their sustainable ecosystem. 
6. Practice sustainable fashion. Donate your old clothes and home goods instead of throwing them away. Consider buying pre-loved or making your own unique up-cycled creations from old stuff.
7. Choose eco-friendly, natural and cruelty-free beauty and wellness products. Every animal has an important role to play in the planet’s well-being and we must protect every species. 
8. Read the labels of detergents and use environmentally-friendly cleaning products to avoid washing toxic chemicals down the drain.

Author: Zen D’Amato Gautam / Editor: GITH

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