Earth Day 2023 #InvestInOurPlanet

Saturday, April 22 is EARTH DAY, a global day to raise public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health.

This year’s theme #InvestInOurPlanet is to recognize our collective responsibility and to help accelerate the transition to an equitable, prosperous green economy for all. Watch the theme video:

Earth Day, April 22, was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin. Senator Nelson developed the idea for a national day to focus on the environment after the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. The first Earth Day was focused on efforts in the U.S. It is estimated that 20 million people from all demographic groups and political parties participated to bring attention to environmental issues nationwide. The establishment of Earth Day reportedly helped spur the U.S. Congress and President Nixon to create the Environmental Protection Agency in July 1970 and to enact environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Earth Day was later recognized internationally in 1990. Today, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 by more than 1 billion people in 192 countries.

How Much Do You Know About Earth Day? 

Test your knowledge with these Earth Day Quizzes»
 
How Can You Celebrate Earth Day?

1. Encourage the use of recyclable water bottle, coffee mugs, utensils, dishes, and trays.
2. Build a birdhouse.
3. Take a bike ride, hike, or walk.
4. Use recyclable/reusable grocery bags instead of plastic ones.
5. Recycle your paper and cardboard (Plastic Pollution Fact Sheets here»).
6. Switch to paperless for bills and invoices. If you work at a medical practice, read this post about how automating workflows can reduce paperwork or this case study on how switching from paper to an EHR can increase your practice efficiency.
7. Remember to turn off lights that you’re not using.
8. Switch to LED lightbulbs.
9. Repair your leaky faucet.
10. Pick up trash at a local park, neighborhood, or beach (Find local events here»).
11. Plant a tree or buy a tree certificate (Visit Friends of Trees or A Living Tribute or The Canopy Project).
12. Grow an organic garden (visit Lessons from The Garden»).
13. Compost (read more here»). 
14. Start a bee farm (check with your local authorities to see if you have permission, and then check out this article from Countryside Network for how to start your farm).
15. “Adopt” an animal at a wildlife preserve (such as through the World Wildlife Fund).
16. Challenge yourself to implement as many of these 52 Actions and Tips to make a difference.