April 22nd marks the 46th annual Earth Day in the United States. What was once created as a catalyst for global environmentalism has since become a worldwide celebration of the place we call home.
Earth Day has become more significant and popular among young people in recent years. In a talk delivered as part of the Hesburgh Lecture Series on Tuesday afternoon, premiere American environmentalist and author Bill McKibben repeatedly commented on how impressed and pleased he was with the number of young people in the room. Environmental issues have been brought to the forefront because our generation has internationally made it a priority. There’s no better time to celebrate the strides that we’ve made and focus on the challenges to come than on Earth Day!
Check out some Earth Day traditions from around the world!
Thailand
In Thailand, hundreds of thousands of Buddhist monks from thousands of Thai temples join together in the capital city of Bangkok, where they engage in a mass meditation for the protection of the planet.
Canada
Earth Day in Canada is loads of fun – all public facilities, including museums, parks, and schools offer programs that help citizens understand ecological issues like carbon footprinting and how to become more eco-friendly in daily life.
Pakistan
One of the most constant Earth Day traditions in Pakistan is the planting of thousands of trees and plants nationwide. Not only does this process have a pretty outcome, but it also increases awareness for global warming and deforestation.
Mexico
In small coastal towns like Veracruz, citizens spend their Earth Day volunteering to clean their local beaches and protect sea turtle habitats.
Philippines
Similarly, children and their families spend Earth Day in the Philippines supporting a variety of beach clean-up organizations. While the surrounding South China Sea is home to 2,400 species of fish and 500 species of coral, maintaining biodiversity is still a major priority.
Monaco
In this small French principality, the Earth Day tradition is a fairly active one. The annual Monaco Earth Day Swim is a 2.5 km race in the Mediterranean that raises money for organizations that support the environment.
Denmark
An annual Earth Day celebration in Copenhagen sees citizens using the city center as a canvas to spell out CO2 in order to raise awareness of carbon emissions and promote more sustainable transportation.
Spain
The annual Fira per La Terra (Fair for the Earth) takes place in Barcelona on the 21st and 22nd. This two-day festival celebrates Earth Day through alternative therapy sessions, ecology seminars, artisan booths, dancing, and singing all in order to promote spiritual and ecological harmony.
Italy
Music is a signifant part of the Eath Day celebration in Italy as well. In Milan, thousands of young people gather for a “Concert for the Earth”, an outdoor series whose proceeds benefit sustainability oganizations.
United States
Every Earth Day in the United States coincides with National Park Week. Every day during National Park Week, over 400 nationwide sites hold Earth Day celebrations, guided nature walks, and organized cleanups of public areas.
Enjoy your Earth Day, and love your Earth every day!
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