The Earth is what provides us with all the resources we need – food, water, and air – to sustain our lives. As such, it is important to honour, protect, and celebrate our home planet every month, let alone dedicated Earth Month.
What Is Earth Month?
Earth Month is arguably one of the most important global awareness months and is celebrated annually in the month of April. Everywhere in the world people take the time to become aware of the environment, the natural beauty of Mother Earth, and how we can do our part to protect it from the damage and destruction caused by various environmental issues such as deforestation, pollution, and global warming.
History of Earth Month
Earth Month was founded in 1992 by John McConnell, a grassroots environmental activist and founder of the non-profit Earth Day Network (EDN). Initially intended to be a day of celebration and action for environmental protection, McConnell also wanted to provide individuals with an educational opportunity to better understand the unique challenges faced by our planet.
The Earth Day network has since grown to become a global movement, not just with the support of EDN but also the United Nations and their mandates and programs including the Paris Agreement, Climate Change Protocol, and Agenda 2030.
Why Celebrate Earth Month?
It is easy to take the environment and the sustenance it provides us for granted. We don’t always think about the impact of our actions on the environment, yet nature has given us so much. Earth Day is a reminder to take care of our planet, both on a local and global scale.
By celebrating Earth Month every year, we’re able to bring attention to environmental issues that impact our world and bring awareness to the importance of protecting the environment. Here are some of the top ways to celebrate Earth Month:
Take Action
Earth Month is the perfect time to take action to reduce your environmental footprint and get involved in local sustainability initiatives. You can start reducing your waste by opting for re-usable products that replace single-use plastics, choosing to bike or walk more instead of using a car, and supporting local businesses and organizations that are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
Educate Yourself
Take the time to learn more about our planet and how we can address the global environmental challenges. Earth Month is the perfect time to educate yourself on some of the important environmental issues like climate change, pollution, and water scarcity. Read up on stories from around the world, check out the latest environmental news, and look for ways to get involved in environmental initiatives in your community.
Spread Awareness
Creating awareness is key to inspiring global environmental movements discussing environmental issues. Educate your peers, family and kids about environmental issues and their solutions! Use your voice and your platform on social media to share green tips, projects and stories about the importance of saving our Earth.
Donate
Earth Month is also a great time to make donations to support conservation and globalization efforts. There are a number of organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Day Network, and Sea Turtle Conservancy that you can donate to that are actively trying to help the environment.
Plant Trees
Trees are essential for healthy ecosystems and are one of the best ways to fight air pollution and climate change. Planting trees can help increase oxygen, provide shade, reduce soil erosion, and help your local environment in so many different ways. During Earth Month, join tree planting events or host your own tree-planting day with family and friends.
Go On a Nature Walk
Go outside and enjoy the natural beauty of your neighbourhood! When you’re out and about, take the time to appreciate the beauty of our planet and take some pictures in nature to remind yourself of why it’s so important to protect it.
Start a Compost Pile
Composting is an easy and effective way to reduce your food waste. By adding food scraps to a compost pile, you can turn them into nutrient-dense soil that helps keep your gardens and trees healthy. You can even donate it to your community garden!
Celebrate Earth Month Virtually
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional Earth Month events have been put on hold. Thankfully, there are plenty of virtual events, festivals and fundraisers that you can join this Earth Month. Check out your local zoo, park or conservancy for virtual events and activities taking place near you!
Earth Month is a great annual reminder for us to reflect on our own environmental action and to further educate ourselves on the unique challenges our planet is facing and the various solutions we can all work together to implement to reduce our environmental footprint. By taking action, educating ourselves, spreading awareness, donating to environmental organizations, planting trees and going on nature walks and starting compost piles, we can continue to make a difference and help protect our environment year after year.
