Did you know Earth Month, has happened every April since 1970 and yes we are in it now - it is a time to bring awareness to celebrating our planet and taking action to protect it. Earth Month has roots in the environmental movement of the 1970s and has grown into a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage collective action across the world. 

Earth Month originated from Earth Day, which was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. The brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, Earth Day was envisioned as a "national teach-in on the environment," aiming to harness the energy of student anti-war protests to bring environmental concerns to the forefront of national discourse. The first Earth Day saw 20 million Americans, approximately 10% of the U.S. population at the time, participating in rallies, demonstrations, and educational programs across the country. This unprecedented mobilization marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement, leading to significant legislative action, including the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.

Fun Facts

• Earth Day's original date, April 22, was selected to maximize participation on college campuses, as it purposefully fell between Spring Break and final exams.
• The Earth Day flag, created by peace activist John McConnell, features a photo of the Earth taken from space, symbolizing the need to care for our shared planet

• Guess what else Earth Day  led to? The creation of famous story "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss, a children's book that highlights the importance of environmental conservation (now also an animated film). 

Continuing the Legacy

Earth Month is meant to serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect our planet. It's a time when communities come together to clean up litter, plant trees, and engage in various activities aimed at reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. Schools and organizations host educational events and workshops, and businesses often launch initiatives to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility, and sometimes companies share their commitments to sustainability responsibility and sometimes fall into the greenwashing trap. If you are interested to see what activation you can take on individually or perhaps as a team at your business download Earth Day’s Toolkit. 

As Earth Month continues, it's essential to remember that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of preserving our planet for future generations. Whether it's reducing waste, conserving water, or supporting renewable energy, the choices we make can have a profound impact on the health of our environment.

Earth Month is not just a celebration of our planet; it's a call to action. It's an opportunity to reflect on our environmental impact, learn about sustainable practices, and commit to making changes that will ensure a healthier, more sustainable world.

As a business ask yourself what will you contribute, genuinely, this Earth Month and Earth Day.