Earth Day in the Gorge & Everywhere

Earth Day Goes Digital

With all that is happening in the world right now, it might be difficult to imagine how you can make a difference. But, that’s why the Earth Day movement decided to change things up a bit. 

On April 22, Earth Day goes digital with 24 hours of action. That’s right. The world’s largest civic event is utilizing an all-virtual platform for the first time in its history. This way, you can get involved while still staying safe at home. 

A Short History of Earth Day

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — 10% of the population at the time — came together to protest environmental carelessness and demand a more eco-friendly future for our planet. This response launched the modern environmental movement. Prior to then, Americans were widely uninformed about environmental concerns and pollution. However, the first Earth Day ignited a flood of action, including the passage of significant environment-friendly laws in the United States such as the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts. It also inspired the conception of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This movement soon encouraged other countries to adopt similar legislation.

You can join over one billion individuals across 190+ countries by participating in the planet’s largest civic event — Earth Day 2020 — on April 22. 

Find Earth Day Digital Events

Looking for how you can participate in an Earth Day digital event? Check out the Earth Day 2020 map! With filters for event type, age group, language and date range, you can pick what you are most interested in. Some of the events are general, while others are more tailored toward certain topics, like conservation; activities, such as film screenings or organized by specific groups, like artists or faith-based organizations. Have an idea of your own? Fill out a form and get it registered on the website! 

Take Action

Be ambitious! Earth Day is a time for important concepts. Each day there are new ideas on how to support change being added to the Earth Day website. From making Earth Day window signs to adding your actions to a world-wide map of advocates to using the Earth Day 2020 app to help gather important data, you can help make a difference.  

A Year-round Movement 

Need some more ideas on how to celebrate Earth Day year-round? No problem! 

• Get Outside
  Don’t take nature for granted! It’s invigorating to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty around us. This Earth Day, take a stroll around your neighborhood or head to a nearby park to hike uncrowded trails. 

• Litter Pick-Up
  Often organized in the summer months by local groups, litter pick-ups or community clean-ups are always encouraged. But you don’t have to wait until an event happens! The next time you are outside and notice some litter, just pick it up.
  
• Shop Smart
  Shopping at local antique and secondhand stores can help cut down on waste. Consider your options the next time you’re out and browse for recycled treasures.

In addition to Earth Day activities, living a more sustainable lifestyle can be beneficial to our planet. Some of the more general suggestions for switching are the easiest to incorporate, such as:

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  Reduce your single-use plastics like straws, water bottles and bags. Purchase a reusable water bottle, and try to reuse plastic bags and glass bottles instead of throwing them in the garbage. Lastly, look for local recycling pickup spots. 

• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
  Ready for a bigger commitment? Purchase an electric or hybrid car! Or, if you’re looking to get a workout in while still being environmentally-friendly, get a bike for your commute. 

• Tug the Plug
  Even if your appliances are on standby, they are still using power. Unplug what isn’t in use, including laptop and cell phone charging cables. 

Some other simple changes that people don’t often think of include: 

• Support Green Businesses
  Your voice is in your money, so remember to support local and green businesses. By actively encouraging local sustainability efforts, you can help reduce fossil fuel depletions. Help area farmers by shopping at the Fayette County Farmers Market when it reopens for the summer season or make reservations to attend a Farm to Table event that occurs in the area. 

• Eco-Friendly Solutions
  Research the best ways to swap eco-friendly solutions for chemicals for cleaning, ointments and more! For example, baking soda can be used as a bug repellent in your garden or when mixed with water can be used as a soothing cream for bug bites.

There are plenty of ways to get involved with Earth Day, and all you have to do to start is just step into your backyard! With the new digital age, it’s becoming even easier to stay connected and support a common goal. Visit earthday.org for more information on Earth Day Live 2020 and tips on how to live a more sustainable life.