EARTH DAY 2023: INVEST IN THE FUTURE

Earth Day has become a widely known holiday throughout the world. Since April 1970, the first Earth Day marked in the United States, volunteers have been picking up trash in parks and public squares, planting new vegetable gardens and fir trees, and learning how to become more environmentally conscious.

Earth Day is such an important worldwide event because, before 1970, there were no federal agencies to protect the U.S. environment. Because of the recognition that first designated day got, the United States now has the Environmental Protection Agency, which works to protect people and our environment from potential health risks.

Prior to that April, the post-war (World War II) consumer boom was in full swing. Oil spills, factory-produced pollution, and unsafe environmental practices were on the rise. Companies could pollute the air or water and cause community health risks with little-to-no legal repercussions. But after the first Earth Day helped to raise public awareness, this all changed. Many protests and rallies helped to promote businesses and governments at all levels to become more environmentally conscious. Companies were now held responsible for the pollution and potential hazards they brought to the population. As a result, Congress and state legislatures created much-needed fixes like the federal Clean Air and Clean Water acts to reduce air and water pollution.

As Earth Day 2023, which falls on April 22, arrives with global warming continuing to occur, many people wonder how climate change will affect the next few decades, or centuries. Since 1880, the Earth’s temperature has risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit, on average. While this may not seem like much, many scientists are very concerned with the potential consequences, such as an increase in ocean levels, drought conditions, worsening storms, and more.

So, Earth Day is a time for people to express their concerns over and take direct action regarding the burning of fossil fuels, use of plastic containers, the harms of fast fashion, and ongoing deforestation worldwide. It is also a chance to advocate for governments and corporations to do their part in creating a safer environment.

Earth Day 2023 official organizers are looking to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainability. Their theme for this year’s Earth Day is “Invest in Our Earth,” focused on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and more than 1 billion citizens who participate in some type of Earth Day activities to do their part to create a greener planet.

Come April 22, ocean cleanup efforts will be organized worldwide to help keep plastic out of the oceans and maintain safe habitats for marine life. One local Oregon initiative on Earth Day is planting trees. Organizations such as Friends of Trees put on events to inform people about the need to stop deforestation and to continually add trees to our own neighborhoods and surrounding forests.

What can you do to participate in Earth Day? For starters, think of ways that you can reduce your personal carbon footprint. Some ways can include using reusable containers, recycling more, and buying clothes and goods secondhand. And as the weather gets nicer, think of biking or walking rather than driving.

As for community and group activities you might want to volunteer for this Earth Day (and not limited just to April 22, but activities offered throughout the month), here are some fun events set for the greater Portland area, and beyond:

Local Earth Day Events: Celebrate Earth Day @ Learning Gardens Lab: → Plant Sale, Book Sale, Clothing Sale → Free Admission! → From 11am to 2pm → Link: http://bit.ly/3o9sEDB Tree Planting Event: → Learn About & Plant Trees → Free Admission! → Helen Althaus Park, Troutdale → Link: http://bit.ly/43t6zA6 City of Troutdale Earth Day: → Learn About & Plant Trees → Free Admission! → Tryon Creek State Natural Area → Link: http://bit.ly/409w1I1