Ways to get Involved this Earth Day

Earth Day is an environmental movement to promote a healthy, sustainable planet. It was first celebrated in the United States in 1970. On that first Earth Day, 20 million people engaged in peaceful demonstrations to show their support for environmental reform. From this grassroots effort, an environmental movement was born.

Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 193 countries with various activities that support protecting the environment, igniting passion and motivating people to action.

Plant a Tree Today for a Greener Tomorrow

One of the most popular activities on Earth Day is planting trees. Not only does planting a tree help beautify your yard, it offers many environmental benefits:

Trees help the climate. In a single year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the equivalent amount of CO₂ produced by driving the average car 26,000 miles.

Trees give us clean air. Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees stabilize the climate by providing distribution of rain and snow over the Earth’s surface.

Trees help communities achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability and provide food, energy and income.

Tree-planning tips from the Earth Day Network:

1. Plant something that is organic, perennial and suitable to the growing conditions in your area.
2. If the season isn’t appropriate on April 22, start growing a plant indoors or plant your tree once the outdoor temperature is warm enough.
3. If you live in an apartment, you can plant something in a container.
4. Not able or interested in planting a tree? Consider donating a tree to a garden in your area.

Bring Awareness to Green Living

Earth Day is also celebrated by bringing awareness to all acts of “green” living. You can make a difference!

Take an ecological footprint quiz to see how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Start composting, which can reduce trash and benefit your soil.

Visit your local Farmers' Market to support local produce and benefit your local economy.

Find out where to get rid of old electronic devices and reduce your “e-waste.”

Reduce your paper junk mail

Understand the harmful effects of disposable plastic and make an effort to use less of it.

Get your copy of the book Green Your Home.

@EarthDayNetwork Is Using #trees4earth on Social Media

There is a Native American tradition that when you take something from the earth, you must put something back. Join the movement this Earth Day. Plant a tree or make a donation today. Activate your friends and social networks too by using the designated hashtag #trees4earth.

To discover more about how to take action, learn more, get involved and/or register your own Earth Day event, visit earthday.org.