The theme of Earth Day 2021 is "Let's restore the Earth". The focus is on natural processes, new green technologies and innovative thinking that can restore ecosystems worldwide. Restoring the Earth depends on each and every one of us – not only because we care about nature, but also because we live on it. A healthy planet is essential to sustaining our jobs, livelihoods, health, survival and happiness.
More than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the world's largest civic celebration. It was first celebrated in the United States in 1970 with the aim of bringing people around the world together to protect the environment. You can be a part of Earth Day celebrations and help fight climate change around the world.
Together we have the power to restore the Earth!
How can everyone get involved?
To celebrate Earth Day, 4 campaigns have been organized this year:
- Let's plant a tree!
- Let's reduce our food footprint! The food footprint measures the environmental impacts associated with growing, producing, transporting and storing food – from natural resources consumed to pollution to greenhouse gases emitted. Learn how to reduce your footprint and help others do the same. Let's embrace the best new techniques and practices to support farmers, restore their land and capture carbon through regenerative agriculture and sustainable food practices
- The Great Global Cleanup! Our pollution problem is spiraling out of control, with open dumps releasing dangerous greenhouse gases, waste and pollutants into our oceans and freshwaters. Microplastics are entering our food and the air we breathe. It is estimated that people consume plastic the size of a credit card every week.
- Climate Literacy! Fifty years ago, the first Earth Day launched an environmental revolution. Now we are sparking an educational revolution to save the planet. Students around the world can be informed and engaged about the environment. Climate and environmental literacy will create jobs, build a green consumer market, and empower citizens to take ownership of restoring the Earth.
What each of us can do:
- Support the great global cleanup by picking up litter around you while enjoying your outdoor activities. Organize a local cleanup.
- Share your story or the story of your community and the efforts being made to protect the environment.
- Stop deforestation by supporting companies that play an active role against it.
- Plastic pollution is one of the most important environmental issues we face today. Calculate your personal plastic consumption, then reduce your use of single-use plastics!
- Limit the use of single-use plastic bags by replacing them with reusable shopping bags.
- In the fight against plastic pollution, follow the three principles: reduce plastic use, reuse and recycle.
- Compost food scraps!
- Buy food from local producers.
- Make your own garden.
- Use a reusable water bottle.
- Donate your old clothes and household goods instead of throwing them away.
- Always read the labels! Use eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products to avoid toxic chemicals going down the drain!
- Save electricity and always turn off the lights when you leave.
- Save water when washing and bathing and during household activities.