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Why is Earth Day so important? -

Earth Day raises awareness about environmental issues, promotes sustainability, and encourages global action to protect our planet for future generations.

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Earth Day was inspired by Vietnam War protesters -

In 1970, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson launched Earth Day following a Santa Barbara oil spill, inspired by the anti-Vietnam War movement, to pressure the government on ecological issues like pollution and smog.

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The date was chosen to appeal to college students -

Senator Nelson (pictured) and grad student Denis Hayes selected April 22 for Earth Day to attract politically active college students, as it fell between spring break and final exams, maximizing student participation.

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Earth Day was almost called Environmental Teach-in -

Julian Koenig, a New York advertising writer, suggested the name for Earth Day. He proposed "Environmental Teach-in," but fortunately, it didn't stick.

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Earth Day was needed even back in the 1950s and 1960s -

Man-made climate change isn't a recent issue. Decades ago, pollution was rampant. Factories dumped toxins, public lands deteriorated, and species like oysters vanished. By 1970, people recognized pollution’s links to cancer and health risks.

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Earth Day had a strong start -

The first Earth Day in 1970 saw 20 million Americans participating. Today, it is celebrated in over 192 countries by more than 1 billion civic-minded supporters worldwide.

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Some countries know it as "International Mother Earth Day" -

In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 22 as International Mother Earth Day. However, the US remains one of the few countries not to adopt this new name.

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The Earth Day movement drove the creation of the EPA -

In 1970, President Richard Nixon approved the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following the Earth Day movement. This led to legislation on clean air, water, toxic substances, and endangered species protection.

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Everyone can participate -

On Earth Day, people of all ages can march, plant trees, clean communities, reduce waste, or try zero waste. Corporations and governments often announce sustainability measures and environmental pledges as well.

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Earth Day is not the same as Equinox Day -

Equinox Day, celebrating care for the planet, occurs on the first day of spring, which varies each year. In 2025, spring began on March 20.

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Earth Day has its own theme song -

The Earth Day Anthem, written in 2013 by Indian poet Abhay Kumar, has been recorded in all official UN languages since its creation.

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It has inspired real change -

Since 2010, EarthDay.org has planted millions of trees globally with the Canopy Project, helped green low-income schools through legislation, and registered over 1.5 million environmental voters to support climate action.

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Each year, the Earth Day theme changes -

Earth Day themes have evolved over time: 1990 focused on recycling, 2000 emphasized global warming and clean energy, and 2010 launched A Billion Acts of Green. The 2025 theme, Our Power, Our Planet, promotes switching from fossil fuels to renewables.

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One in ten Americans took part in the first Earth Day in 1970 -

The first Earth Day launched in 1970 to demand environmental action. Around 20 million Americans, or 10% of the US population at the time, participated in the historic event.

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Earth Day changed public opinion -

The first Earth Day shifted public opinion on environmental protection. By May 1971, 25% of Americans prioritized environmental goals, a dramatic 2,500% increase from 1969, according to the EPA.

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Over three billion students lack environmental education -

Over three billion students lack environmental education globally. In 2020, EarthDay.org launched the Climate Literacy campaign, now backed by 300 million people and 400 organizations, urging governments to include climate education in schools.

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The first global Earth Day occurred in 1990 -

In 1990, Denis Hayes organized the first global Earth Day, bringing together 200 million people across 141 countries to raise awareness and take action on pressing environmental issues worldwide.

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The Earth is estimated to be 4.54 billion years old -

Planet Earth formed during the early stages of the solar system, which began around 4.6 billion years ago. Earth itself is estimated to be about 4.54 billion years old.

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Since 1986, nearly 350 million pounds of ocean plastic have been collected -

The Ocean Conservancy works to combat ocean plastic pollution, coming up against nearly 200 million tons circulating in our waters. Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering for a cleanup. Over 17 million volunteers have joined since 1986.

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Earth Day has its own flag -

Created by peace activist John McConnell in 1970, the Earth Day flag features a photo of Earth from Apollo 10's 1969 mission. It remains a symbol at Earth Day celebrations worldwide.

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Earth Day is supported by scientists -

The March for Science, which started in February 2017, joined Earth Day marches in April of that year in Washington, D.C., and 360 other cities. Its goals of protecting science align with supporting environmentalists and Earth scientists.

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Earth Day went virtual in the 21st century -

In 2000, the Internet helped spread the need for strong environmental policies. It connected 5,000 groups, enabling global coordination, and allowed people from 184 countries to join marches and demonstrations.

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In 2016, France set out to end food waste -

Earth Day efforts highlight over-consumption and waste. In February 2016, France passed a law banning supermarkets from discarding unsold food, requiring them to donate it to charities in need.

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In 2018, Indians planted almost 50 million trees in 24 hours -

Inspired by global environmental efforts, people in India rallied for a Guinness World Record in honor of Earth Day. On July 11, 2018, 800,000 people planted 49.3 million trees in 24 hours, setting the record for most trees planted in one day.

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The largest cleanup in Earth Day history -

In 2024, over 250,000 volunteers from an environmental summit gathered in Penang, Malaysia, planting 1.2 million trees and leading cleanups that removed more than 1,800 pounds of trash and plastic pollution.

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Earth Day is still a grassroots movement -

Earth Day, though global, relies on local initiatives to drive change. In 2015, Tanzania protected the Usambara Mountains, and Puerto Rico focused on creating an eco-park and keeping the island trash-free for 100 days.

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Earth Day is one of the most celebrated days -

Earth Day is one of the most celebrated days worldwide, uniting millions in support of environmental protection. In fact, it's often considered the largest secular day of protest in the world.

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Earth Day can last all year -

April is Earth Month, offering 29 extra days to celebrate. Combat eco-anxiety through activism year-round. Participate in volunteer efforts and campaigns to address climate change. Earthday.org highlights ongoing initiatives to get involved.

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It's easy to participate in Earth Day -

People of all ages can participate in Earth Day by recycling, spending time outdoors, attending marches, planting trees, or cleaning up trash. Every small action helps protect and preserve our planet.

Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Real Simple) (Today) (Reader's Digest) 

See also: These countries are leading the way in meeting WHO's clean air standards

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