This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Though the world is practicing social distancing amidst the Coronavirus crisis, there are still ways to recognize and celebrate this important day. Join us in a way that works for you, and help us to carry this advocacy momentum throughout the whole year!

History of Earth Day

The first Earth Day occurred on April 22, 1970, “putting environmental concerns on the front page.” Though many events led up to it, Earth Day was largely inspired by the student anti-war movement, an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, and the political climate. With growing smog in the air, rivers catching on fire, and increasing oil spills, it was clear that the environment was in crisis. 20 million Americans participated in demonstrations, marches, and rallies on this first Earth Day. Colleges and universities were a huge part of this action. Americans truly came together in the name of the planet.

Since 1970, the annual Earth Day celebrations have grown. Nearly every city in the US participates in some way, driven by passionate non-profits, environmental organizations, students, teachers, and individuals. With 10% of the US population, this first Earth day is still recognized as the largest organized public event in the world’s history.

Below are some ways to get involved with Earth Day 2020!

LOCAL / VIRTUAL

Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy
Eyewitness: Earth Day Storytelling Slam

City of Roseville
Earth Day Online Celebration

Interfaith Power and Light
Film: The Human Element

Arrowhead Earth Week
50 Ideas For Earth Day

LOCAL / OUTDOORS

Head out to your local park or outdoor area with a bag and some gloves for a #wastewalk! Springtime is a great opportunity to get out and clean up the litter and debris that’s been hidden under our Minnesota snow all winter. Share a photo of your socially distant cleanup* with the hashtag #wastewalk and tag us!

Local Parks

Theodore Wirth
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Spring Lake Regional Park
Baker Park Reserve
Carver Park Reserve
French Regional Park
North Mississippi River Regional Park

State Parks
Fort Snelling State Park
Afton State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Frontenac State Park
Minnesota Valley State Park
William O’Brien State Park
Greenleaf Lake State Park

*Please #wastewalk responsibly. If a park seems too crowded to safely practice social distancing, please find a different outdoor area.

NATIONAL

Earth Day Initiative
This year, Earth Day Initiative is launching the Together We Can: Climate Action Campaign designed to get everyone to make at least one important commitment to reduce their climate impact for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Follow on instagram @earthdayinitiative to hear from leaders including Elizabeth Warren, Ian Somerhalder, Bill Nye, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and more.

NASA
NASA has collected activities, videos, special programs and other materials to help you observe “Earth Day at Home,” including videos, online games and mobile apps, social media events, and even Lego activities for #EarthDayAtHome.

Earth Day Network
Over the 24 hours of Earth Day, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day will fill the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, and video teach-ins from guests Zac Efron, Al Gore, Dr. Sylvia Earle, John Kerry, Zdeno Chara, Paul Nicklen, and more.

Tune in to their Instagram live (@earthdaynetwork) on April 22 and download their app for even more Earth Day engagement!