This Saturday, April 22, we celebrate Earth Day! Earth Day is a holiday where we show are support for the protection for our environment. Introduced in 1970, it has since had a broad global impact and is now celebrated in over 190 countries around the world. The idea of Earth Day came from U.S Senator Gaylord Nelson in the late 1960’s in response to a large oil spill occurring in Santa Barbra, California, 1969.

The first Earth Day was a immense success with millions of Americans including themselves in organizations and events that promoted the idea of pollution awareness. Earth Day has had a massive impact on our world with the creations of more anti-pollution movements, a growing amount of eco-friendly products in addition to companies showing love for their environments . and people being more mindful of how great of an effect they have themselves.

One social way you can participate in Earth Day is by supporting organizations that push environment awareness. One such organization is Earthjustice, the United States’ largest environmental law organization whose slogan is “because the earth needs a good lawyer” Founded in the 1960s, Earthjustice attorneys have since supported various major environmental wins including the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. The organization works with activists, national politicians, international policymakers, and individuals to protect and strengthen laws for the benefit of people and a healthy planet. You can support organizations by donating and involving yourself in activities.

You can participate in Earth Day in many ways. Using reusable products like grocery bags, water bottles or contains help the environment by the action of reducing waste sustaining the use of the earths natural resources. You can also reserve natural resources like water by turning off the sink if your not using it, fixing leaks and even using products like low-flow toilets and shower heads because they save water. Planting trees help by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and producing fresh and clean oxygen. Adults can vote for policies and politicians that support the environment and take action against pollution.