Saturday, April 22nd 2023 was International Earth Day. Starting in 1970, this takes place every year on April 22nd, and now it’s celebrated by over a billion people in 193+ countries. Working together is essential for dealing with climate change and environmental damage, and having so many people join together internationally is a cause for hope.
The UN offers some resources for the day, including plenty of scientific data (click here to visit their website). The Earth Charter (click here to visit their website) also offers a framework for creating positive change. The Earth Charter includes four “pillars” which are described below (click on each title for further information about that pillar).
This involves respect for all life on Earth (including humans, animals and plants), upholding the dignity of human beings, and preserving the planet for future generations.
This focuses on preserving ecosystems, including the ocean and wild areas. It also includes recovery of endangered species, and reducing the damage caused when extracting resources.
This includes eliminating poverty so that everyone has access to life’s essentials, gender equality, sustainable development and prevention of discrimination.
This involves making sure all people have a say, and removing corruption from political systems. It also includes using education to encourage sustainable living, and promoting peace, including through eliminating weapons of mass destruction.
This Earth Day, everyone can have a role to play in securing a better planet for the future. Have you thought about what you can contribute? If you need some inspiration, here are some sources of great ideas for getting started with positive environmental action:
The Wildlife Trusts offers a list of high-impact actions for everyday life, as well as a section with info and activities for kids: click here to read more
The Grantham Institute, University College London focuses on achievable actions that will make the most difference: click here to read more
If you’re looking to go into more detail, Good Housekeeping has compiled 100 tips for making household activities such as shopping and cleaning greener: click here to read more
Does that all sound like too much? Friends of the Earth has you covered with eight “lazy” ways to be environmentally friendly: click here to read more