Celebrate Earth Day by helping your community and making sustainable swaps at home. Learn more about the history of Earth Day and what you can do this Earth Day to show the planet you care.
Happy Earth Day & Earth Month. Here at The Imperfect Eco, we celebrate Earth Day every day. We are so glad to join the annual global movement to appreciate the earth and environmentalists everywhere supporting to protect the climate. On Earth Day, there are plenty of ways to integrate sustainable living into your life. Whether you can only spend a few dollars or make one eco-friendly swap, check out or shop for affordable and accessible Earth Day must-haves.
How did the environmental movement start?
The Environmental Movement is known for starting in the 1970s. At this time, many vital events in the United States sparked the American public to become widely aware of environmental issues.
First, the mother of environmentalism shot to recognition. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was a New York Times Best Seller. Carson exposed the harmful impacts of pesticides on humans, animals, and the local ecology.
The first Earth Day
U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin founded Earth Day. During this time, Senator Nelson witnessed an oil spill in January 1969. Students were already protesting anti-war, and Senator Nelson wanted to get their enthusiasm behind public health and the planet. Senator Nelson announced this environmental campaign for college campuses on national media. Pete McCloskey, “a conservative-minded Republican Congressman,” served as co-chair. They took a year to plan and took to the streets in the name of Earth Day. On April 22, 1970, 20 million people – 10% of the population at that time- showed up for the first Earth Day.
By the end of 1970, President Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency and passed the Clean Water, Clean Air, National Environment Education, Occupational Safety and Health, and Endangered Species Acts. Feel like you’re a part of history and make sustainable changes in your life today, here.
International Earth Day
BY 1990, Earth Day was celebrated by 200 million people in 141 countries. This brought about changes like the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Senator Nelson was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom “— the highest honor is given to civilians in the United States — for his role as Earth Day founder.”
How can I celebrate Earth Day?
This year’s Earth Day is themed Invest in Our Planet. You can invest in your planet for Earth Day this year with your time, resources, creativity, or so much more.
Eco-Friendly Living
First, make everyday Earth Day when you make sustainable swaps at home. Taking small steps to an eco-friendly lifestyle and home, can make a big difference. Get motivated this Earth Day, to start making those small changes around the house you always wanted to make. It doesn’t have to break the bank either! Going zero-waste and using healthier products that are sustainable and limit toxins are better for the planet and for your health. Check out some earth friendly must-haves below to celebrate Earth Day.
All Good Sport Natural Sunscreen Spray – SPF 30
Sale price$19.99
Tru Earth Fresh Linen Laundry Detergent Strips
Sale price$16.95
Full Circle Home Walnut Scrubber Sponges (2pk)
Sale price$4.49
Bee’s Wrap Reusable Beeswax Wraps Assorted Sizes (3 Pk)
Sale price$18.99
Albatross Butterfly Safety Razor
Sale price$29.99
Donate
There are organizations big and small worldwide that are working towards sustainable solutions and protecting the planet. Whether you can donate $5, $20, or $100, these organizations depend on partners like you to help their mission.
Volunteer
Check out events near you that are bettering the planet. If you are connected to your community on social media, this is a great way to see what events are happening near you.
Write letters to local leaders
Writing letters to your local leaders seems harder than it is. Representatives are legally obligated to review your concerns. When you send a letter to a local leader, you don’t have to be knowledgeable on local policies, or certain laws. All you have to do is express your concerns for the environment. Most times you can even send them emails from their websites.
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