Earth Day was established on April 22, 1970, in the United States. The holiday was organized by environmental activists who were concerned about the increasing industrialism and resultant pollution of the environment. Senator Gaylord Nelson, a leader who advocated for the day supporting environmental awareness, even selected April 22nd because the date fell between spring break and exams. This choice made it easier for students to be involved.
The holiday began to raise public awareness of environmental issues. When it was first established it was not as widely celebrated as today yet it was successful. As time went on, the public discourse around the impact of the environment on public health became more common. Issues like climate change, plastic pollution, and air pollution eventually came into the public’s consciousness and made sustainability efforts more accessible. Earth Day even led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and many laws that aim to protect the natural environment.
Today, Earth Day, as an organization, is one of the world’s largest environmental movements. The organization serves countries worldwide and has an international network to support its educational and activism efforts. It is a reminder of the global movement to protect the planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. For travelers with a love for the environment, there are plenty of places to go to celebrate the holiday. These are some of the top destinations to celebrate Earth Day.
Celebrating Earth Day Across the Globe
While many people observe Earth Day, different destinations celebrate the holiday differently. Celebrations of Earth Day can vary by country, state/territory, or even city. There is usually a yearly theme that addresses the most challenging environmental issues of that time. Some past themes have included water conservation, biodiversity, plastic pollution, and climate change.
However, the consistent feature of Earth Day across varying nations is diverse activities and efforts to bring awareness to environmental issues. Here are some of the biggest Earth Day celebrations for travelers who may want to get in on the Earth-friendly holiday.
The United States
In the U.S., celebrations of Earth Day can vary by state. However, in general, there are many marches and rallies by civic organizers to advocate for sustainability efforts. New York is a popular destination for Earth Day. There, travelers can enjoy festivals, talks, and walks. Earth-conscious politicians, eco-leaders, and people with concern for the planet join together. People can volunteer for environmental cleanup, listen to speeches, and enjoy festivities to celebrate Earth Day.
Japan
Tokyo has more than one celebration of Earth Day. Although many other Japanese cities celebrate Earth Day, Tokyo has one of the biggest celebrations. Overall, the celebration of Earth Day in Japan is very family-friendly, so travelers who have children can have a great time there.
Travelers can enjoy festivals during their visit to Japan. Each festival in Tokyo is a two-day celebration that attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. There are two popular festivals, one is from April 13-14 and is located in the Yoyogi Park Events Square. The other is from April 20-21 in Miyashita Park. Both festivals feature eco-friendly products, music, and art for people to enjoy.
England
Earth Day in England is a time of many interactive events worth considering. One of the most popular events is London’s Earthfest. This event is April 18-21 and is a weekend-long festival that has speakers, climate-focused workshops, and immersive exhibitions. Also, at Somerset House, travelers can explore a peaceful space that presents innovative ways of showcasing sustainability and ecology.
The English countryside is a place that travelers may also find themselves gravitating towards, due to its seemingly untouched beauty. Many travelers opt to explore places like The Blean in Kent and The Jurassic Coast in East Devon. These places can provide the perfect backdrop for a self-reflective Earth Day in which travelers simply appreciate the nature that surrounds them.
Australia
Australia is well-known for its biodiversity and thriving wildlife. The country hopes that its citizens and the rest of the world will make every day Earth Day, in their own way. Australia has helped promote extensive conservation work and that is reflected in its Earth Day celebration.
Travelers can join local clean-up efforts, switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products, compost, and obtain reusable bags for shopping while in Aussieland. Queensland is a popular place to celebrate since the Restore Our Earth event has been held there since 1990. Volunteering, connecting with nature, and giving back to nature are the top activities for those observing Earth Day in Australia.
South Africa
South Africa celebrates International Mother Earth Day. The South African government takes climate change seriously and considers it one of the biggest challenges facing humanity, which is evident in the country’s unique celebrations that reflect its values. Citizens and visitors are encouraged to participate in any number of environmental initiatives. A few community initiatives include picking up litter, planting trees, and reducing plastic waste. Travelers in South Africa on April 22 can observe the collective responsibility that citizens take on to progress environmental sustainability.
India
In India, Earth Day is a time to express gratitude to Mother Earth. During this day, India makes its goals to keep the planet green clear with its many country-specific campaigns. Some of these include Trees4Earth, End Plastic Pollution, and Protect Our Species.
India is the seventh largest country in the world, so it has a distinct impact on promoting sustainable living. There are many environmental projects that visitors can involve themselves in to celebrate Earth Day. Travelers can volunteer in a cleanup, work with local schools to educate students on environmental issues, plant trees, and attend rallies or marches with locals.