We all call Planet Earth our home. It’s our responsibility to take care of our home and ensure future generations have as lovely a place to live as we do. Earth Day, April 22, is a day for citizens to unite in the effort to protect the environment worldwide. The 2021 theme for Earth Day is Restore Our Earth.
An idea announced by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin led to the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Thanks to a promotional campaign, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks and other venues to demonstrate against the environmental damage from 150 years of industrial development. We have come a long way in 51 years: Earth Day is now observed by more than 1 billion people in 193 countries.
Going green is easy and inexpensive. For ideas you can use at home, work and play, visit our How You Can Help page. The Leave Only Footprints program has been promoting sustainable travel practices since 2016. The simple acts of removing all your beach gear each evening, recycling what you can and tossing trash protects wildlife and marine life on Alabama’s coastline.
How much do you know about Earth Day? Test your knowledge with Earth Day quizzes.