April 22: Earth Day

In 1970, 20 million individuals — at the time, 10% of the U.S. population — mobilized to call for greater protections for our planet. This became the world’s first Earth Day.

Author: Shari Dalal

The year 1970 is also a critical year as this year to the present day has seen immense wildlife decline, with billions of birds’ lives lost due to habitat loss and environmental destruction. 

Earthday.org (EDO) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works in countries around the world to drive meaningful action for our planet through several campaigns. The campaigns of focus are ending plastic pollution, conservation and restoration, climate and environmental literacy, food and environment, and acting on climate change. 

The theme for this year is “Invest in our planet.” There are many ways everyone can invest in our planet, with EDO providing 52 actions individuals can perform. Participation can be achieved through virtual and live events and can be searched by location. To enhance participation, Earth Week will pioneer EDO’s farthest-reaching efforts to date by amplifying inspiration and action from April 14th to April 22nd worldwide through live events. Live event topics include climate restoration, regenerative agriculture, environment and social justice, supply chain resilience, plastic pollution, resource scarcity, food security, the green economy, biodiversity restoration, and universal climate literacy.

 EDO has accomplished enormous feats for the planet. Through the Canopy Project, restoration is achieved by planting trees. EDO has planted trees worldwide, as seen on the reforestation map. With a donation of one dollar, a tree can be planted. Trees have been planted in areas most at-risk for environmental degradation and climate change, as well as in environmentally damaged areas. After the ocean, forests provide the largest absorption of greenhouse gases. Forests are also where an abundance of wildlife live. The clearing of forests has greatly reduced biodiversity, with some species extinct to on the verge of being extinct. The benefits of reforestation are climate change adaptation, community and economic benefits, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. 

Fast fashion is also greatly contributing to the degradation of the planet. Washing synthetic clothing produces 35% of microplastics in the ocean, the largest source of microplastic pollution. The apparel industry contributes to 4% of greenhouse gas emissions- the same as countries U.K., France, and Germany combined. If fast fashion continues, it will be responsible for 26% of carbon emissions by 2050. The fashion industry produces 150 billion garments a year, and 87% (40 million tons) end up in a landfill where they smolder and pollute the air. EDO has created a sustainable toolkit for sustainable shopping. Shopping with these points in mind can help prevent waste and microplastic accumulation.  Shop secondhand first, purchase fewer clothes, invest in clothes you need, shop locally, and buy clothes with cotton or natural fibers. Synthetic fibers use petroleum, a high-emission fossil fuel. 

Together we can enhance the livelihood of the planet, a partnership where everyone is accounted for and everyone accountable. 

Showcase Earth Day actions by using  #InvestInOurPlanet and help make this a better place for future generations. Find events like the Earth Day March and support brands that stand for sustainability on the Vkind app. 

References:

https://www.earthday.org/

https://www.earthday.org/toolkit-how-to-shop-for-your-clothes/