Most people know Earth Day as a time to appreciate and protect our planet, but few are aware of how it all started. The concept took shape in 1970, fueled by growing concerns over pollution, oil spills, and environmental destruction. One of the driving forces behind it was Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin. He had long been troubled by the impact of industrial pollution, but after witnessing a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California in 1969, he knew action was needed.

Nelson wanted to get the public involved, so he proposed a national day dedicated to environmental awareness. To help make it happen, he teamed up with Congressman Pete McCloskey and activist Denis Hayes. Together, they organized a nationwide event on April 22, 1970, bringing millions of people together. What started as a single day of awareness quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, more than a billion people take part in Earth Day activities worldwide, working to protect and restore the planet.

But what can we do to help our planet in need?

Reduce Plastic Use

One of the most important steps we can take to protect the environment is reducing our plastic use. Felicity Skiles (10) shares, “I avoid using plastics because I know it harms marine wildlife like sea birds and turtles.” Plastic pollution is a serious threat to ecosystems. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean, where it injures or kills marine life such as sea turtles, fish, and birds. Additionally, plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, and when they finally break down, they release toxic chemicals into the soil and water, disrupting the food chain and harming wildlife.

Recycle Correctly

Another way to make a difference is by recycling properly. Cienna Olsen (11) says, “I recycle anything that says it can be recycled to better our environment!” But, while recycling is a great habit, it’s important to know that not everything labeled as recyclable can actually be processed. For example, some plastic wrappers have a small triangle with a number inside it. If the number is 5, it typically cannot be recycled, but if it’s a 1 or 2, it is safe to recycle. Being informed about what can and cannot be recycled helps prevent contamination in recycling systems and ensures materials are properly processed.

Pick Up Litter

Lastly, one of the most impactful things we can do is pick up litter. Too often, we see trash on the ground and assume someone else will take care of it. Instead of walking past it, be the person who takes initiative. Cleaning up even a small amount of litter can make a big difference in the bigger picture and can keep our environment clean.