The Origins of Earth Day | What You Can Do This Year
On Tuesday, April 22, Americans nationwide will celebrate the 56th annual Earth Day, with events scheduled worldwide that will potentially involve more than a billion people in nearly 200 countries. The focus—environmental protection. How did Earth Day originate? What are some of the activities planned for Earth Day 2025?
The Creation of Earth Day
Earth Day had it’s genesis in San Francisco in 1969, when attendees at a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) suggested that a day be set aside the following year to promote peace and bring attention to the needs of the planet. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, a staunch conservationist who had served two terms as the state’s governor, suggested that advocates bring attention to environmental concerns by holding a number of “teach-ins” on college campuses nationwide, helping educate the public about the environmental challenges being faced, as well as the ways Americans could improve the health of the planet. Nelson formed a non-profit, called Environmental Teach-In, to manage the campaign.
An unexpected visit by Madison Avenue advertising guru Julien Koenig to the national offices of Environmental Teach-In changed everything. Koenig came up with the name “Earth Day,” in part because it rhymed with “birthday,” which he thought would draw more attention. It worked…on the first Earth Day in 1970, more than 20 million Americans joined rallies across the country.
Earth Day 2025—Things You Can Do This Year
The Earth Day theme for 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” with a focus on clean electricity and renewable sources of energy. One of the objectives of Earth Day advocates this year is to triple the production of clear electricity worldwide by 2030. Among the events scheduled in communities around the world are:
- Family-friendly festivals with food, live music and volunteer opportunities
- Beach, park and other cleanup efforts
- Educational events focusing on climate change, sustainability and renewable energy resources
Most national parks across the nation will have special events to help people learn about earth sciences and ecosystems. Many communities are also sponsoring tree plantings, bike rides and road races to benefit environmental organizations.
