PHOENIX — When is Earth Day 2024?
This year, Earth Day falls on April 22 — the same date it was originally celebrated more than 50 years ago!
The first Earth Day was recognized on April 22, 1970. Organizers said this date was picked because it fell on a weekday between Spring Break and final exams. They were hoping to appeal to students and garner their involvement. But now, more than 50 years later, the impact has branched out beyond school campuses.
Earth Day awareness has been credited with putting pressure on Congress, which resulted in the passage of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. To date, Earth Day has sprouted into a global event with recognition in 192 countries.
Earth Day 2024's theme is directed on the threat of plastics on the environment. The mission is to end all single-use plastic and find replacements in an effort to phase out their use quickly.
The hashtag #earthday has been used more than 6.5 million times on Instagram and has 6.4 billion views on TikTok. If you plan to join the celebration, here are 20 Earth Day messages to spruce up your social media posts.
- "May the forest be with you."
- "Shout out to the Earth — you keep me grounded."
- "I’m a big fan of wind farms."
- "Go short tree, it's your Earth day. We’re gonna party like it’s your Earth day."
- “Let’s make sure the Earth is never too hot to handle!”
- "Keep the Earth clean... it's not Uranus."
- “I love the Earth. It’s so well-rounded.”
- "I don't want to trash talk, but if you don't recycle, you're a waste."
- "I love you to the moon and back.”
- "Thanks, Earth, you rock <3”
- "The Earth is a really space-cial place."
- "Some Earth Day puns are really terra-ble."
- "Be-leaf it or not, today is a great day to do your part.”
- “Do something astronomical today!"
- "I don't want to be too sappy, but happy Earth Day.”
- “Don’t be trashy. Save the planet.”
- “The way the Earth rotates makes my day.”
- “Why are recycling bins so optimistic? Because they’re full of cans.”
- “I can’t be-leaf I just planted a tree.”
- “You grow, girl.”
Looking for events around the Valley to celebrate the Earth? Here's a few we found:
Earth Day Clothing Swap at the Desert Refillery
Looking for a sustainable way to upgrade your wardrobe? Desert Refillery has you covered! The shop is hosting a clothing swap Sunday April 21 featuring clothing, drink samples, tattoos, composting tips and tricks, local vendors and even discounts for the Desert Refillery.
How does the clothing swap work? For every piece of clothing, aside from shoes and accessories, you get one ticket to use to pick out new-to-you clothing. Bring in your summer and spring clothing for a chance to grab some new duds, no big box store required! The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Desert Refillery.
Climate Solutions Now Earth Day Rally
The Climate Action Campaign and partners are teaming up to host a rally in Phoenix at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza April 21. From 12 to 3 p.m., there will be music, a community mural project, guest speakers, activities for kids and families, freed food and more.
Earth Day at the Phoenix Zoo
"Spring" into action at the Phoenix Zoo while exploring ways to battle plastic pollution and creating a better world! From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can do activities like planting seeds you can take home, make a t-shirt reusable bag and even get to know some insect friends, like worms!
Celebrate Earth Day at Arizona state parks and trails
Are you looking to head outside for Earth Day? Check out the events and activities at state parks across Arizona. From Dead Horse Ranch State Park's multi-day festival to a star at Homolovi State Park's Star Party, you've got a lot of options.
For more Earth Day events, check out:
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