Earth Day 2024: The global movement for a better planet

Earth Day 2024 is not just a one-day event; it’s a global movement. It is a day of action that transcends borders, raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices to protect our planet. Started in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day is celebrated all over the world on 22nd April every year. With over 8.1 billion people and 8.7 million species of plants and animals calling Earth their home, Earth Day 2024 is a global opportunity to honour and commemorate our planet and take action to protect it. Join English Path to understand the importance of Earth Day and learn how you can help make our planet a better place to live for future generations. 

What is Earth Day? 

Earth Day is a monumental yearly event that celebrates, honours and promotes activities that raise awareness to protect the environment. It is a global environmental movement that encourages everyone to protect and care for our planet's natural resources so that future generations can enjoy them. 

What is the story of Earth Day? 

Earth Day was founded by a United States senator and environmentalist, Gaylord Anton Nelson, in 1970. The senator was worried about the deteriorating environment in the United States and thought the nation lacked a “unity of purpose” to take action against the increasing threats to the environment. When Senator Nelson was elected in 1962, he called for a “comprehensive, nationwide program to save the natural resources of America.”  

After seeing the damage caused by an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969, he was inspired to start a teach-in on college campuses to help our planet by raising awareness of air and water pollution. He wanted students to get involved and learn more about preserving the environment. He chose 22nd April as Earth Day because it was a good time for students between their break and exams. 

What is the theme of Earth Day 2024? 

Every year, EARTHDAY.ORG, the nonprofit organisation that aims to educate people about protecting our planet, selects a particular theme. For Earth Day 2024, the theme is Planet vs. Plastics. It's a call to action, highlighting the alarming fact that currently, we produce 380 million tonnes of plastic annually, but only 9% of it gets recycled. This theme aims to urgently raise awareness of the dangers of plastic, both to our health and the environment and encourages all of us to reduce the use of single-use plastics. 

How can you celebrate Earth Day 2024? 

Celebrating Earth Day 2024 is a day of personal commitment to recognise, honour, and save our beloved planet. People from all walks of life, as well as organisations, organise various activities to raise awareness and protect our planet as well as its natural resources. You can be a part of these initiatives by volunteering or celebrating Earth Day 2024 in the following ways: 

  1. In keeping up with the Earth Day 2024 theme, organise a cleanup in your neighbourhood or local park to pick up all the plastic and rubbish to keep your community clean. 

  1. Avoid using products made from plastics like straws and cutlery. It's better to bring your own reusable bags and water bottles. 

  1. Practise the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimise waste and preserve our natural resources. 

  1. Conserve water by turning off the tap when brushing your teeth and taking shorter showers or use a bucket to save water. 

  1. Plant a tree this Earth Day to help improve our environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen. 

  1. Instead of driving, choose to bike or walk for shorter distances. It's not just better for our planet but also beneficial for your health. 

  1. Find a local organisation working for the environment and volunteer with them. By doing so, you will help in making a difference and become part of a community dedicated to saving planet Earth. 

  1. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when you’re not using them to save energy and contribute to a healthier planet. This simple habit not only helps you reduce your electricity bill but also has a significant impact on the environment. 

  1. Get creative on Earth Day 2024. Create and share art using recycled materials like paper, cardboard, and plastic. 

  1. Share what you know and have learned about Earth Day and how to protect our environment with your friends and family. 

English Path cares about our planet, and so should you. We believe in making changes to our lifestyles that can make a positive impact. A few months ago, we had the privilege of partnering up with the St. Paul's Bay Local Council in Malta to organise a Community CleanUp event. This event was a great opportunity for our students and teachers to come together and help save our planet Earth. We encourage you to join us in recognising, honouring, and celebrating Earth Day 2024 to create a better planet by taking part in this global movement. 

Frequently asked questions about Earth Day 2024

A1. Planet vs. Plastics is the theme for Earth Day 2024. The aim is to raise awareness of the risks and harmful effects of plastic on humans and our planet. 

A2. Earth Day is celebrated on 22nd April every year. It was first held on 22nd April 1970. It now includes various events and activities coordinated globally by Earthday.org. 

A3. Senator Gaylord Nelson is the founder of Earth Day. He was passionate about protecting our environment and introduced it as a way for people worldwide to come together and protect our beloved planet. 

A4. Every year, Earth Day reminds us that our world is fighting a battle. Climate change is real, and its devastating effects are already having a huge impact on our planet and our lives, changing the future for the worse. It is high time for us to take serious action to help the Earth by spreading awareness and making changes to our lifestyle. Earth Day helps us bring people from all over the world together to work towards a healthy and sustainable planet. 

A5. You can celebrate Earth Day 2024 by joining the global environment movement. You can help our planet by reducing the use of single-use plastic, planting trees, conserving water, saving energy, walking or cycling to save fuel, and participating in and volunteering with organisations that organise events in honour of Earth Day.