Happy Earth Day!
On April 22, Earth Day is celebrated across the globe (naturally) to reflect on the world and the environment around us.
Here’s some more information about how Earth Day came to be, and how you can celebrate it at home with your kids this year.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual event dedicated to the demonstration and support for environmental concerns across the planet.
The first Earth Day took place in the United States in 1970 – it was proposed by peace activist John McConnell after the devastating environmental effects of the 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill.
After growing in popularity across the States, the event went worldwide in 1990 and has since seen millions of people from across the world come together to celebrate our shared home.
What is the theme of Earth Day 2021?
The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Restore Our Earth.
Its focus is on the natural processes that take place across the world, emerging green technologies, and what new ideas are being discussed for the purpose of repairing the world’s ecosystem.
Last year was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and the event went entirely digital for the first time due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
Quotes to mark Earth Day 2021
‘Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.’ – Albert Einstein
‘An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment.’ – Sir David Attenborough
‘Conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us.’ – Walt Disney
‘Be the change you wish to see in this world’ – Mahatma Gandhi
‘I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.’ – Mother Teresa
What is the Earth Day quiz?
This year, the good people of Google have developed a quiz for your kids (and you of course) to find out what kind of animal you are.
Simply type ‘Earth Day quiz’ into Google to find the quiz now – or to save you some time, just click here.
Fun Earth Day activities to do with kids
There are a number of ways that you can celebrate Earth Day with your children, helping them to realise the importance of protecting the world around them.
Getting out in nature is one great way to put your kids in touch with nature.
Take a stroll, clean up your local park, get out on your bikes, or do a spot of planting in the garden to get your kids to engage with the environment.
As this year’s theme is all about restoring the world, you can come up with games focused on recycling at home and the things that they can do to help reduce waste and repair the globe.
Research the ways you can reduce your carbon footprint at home and how you can change your diet – there lots and lots of ways to bring Earth Day home this year.
For more ideas, visit Earth Day Live, to see how the organisation itself is celebrating Earth Day 2021.
MORE: Support Earth Day 2021 with these recycled homeware picks
MORE: How to buy right this Earth Day: The best environmentally-friendly fashion and beauty picks
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