Dates
What date is Earth Day every year
April 22nd
What is 2020's Earth Day theme?
The theme for this year is "Climate Action" motivating people to take action on a global scale to fight climate change
How many Americans participated in the first Earth Day?
20 million
Why was Earth Day created?
Pollution had steadily increased in the 1950's and 1960's. The Santa Barbara oil spill of 1969 became the tipping point. Earth Day was created to raise awareness and create and improvement of the environment.
Why are trees important?
Trees provide shade and oxygen that cleans our air
What year was the first Earth Day
1970
What march recently began to take place every Earth Day?
The March For Science began on April 22nd 2017 to raise awareness in the government about the effects of climate change.
On average how many people globally participate in Earth Day each year?
1 billion
What federal agency was created only months after the first Earth Day?
In 1970 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created.
What are ways people can get involved with Earth Day?
Plant a tree or flowers, organize a park clean-up, create an art project to raise awareness, bike or walk instead of driving, build a bird house/feeder, support a farmers market, etc.
Who founded Earth Day?
How has Earth Day changed over 50 years?
Initially Earth Day focused on specific companies that polluted heavily. Now Earth Day is an international day with both small and large scale events to improve our planet!
How many countries officially participate in Earth Day activities?
192
Since 1970 the recycling industry has grown to employ how many people in the US?
3.1 Million people
Why is it important to throw trash in the can instead of the street?
Besides looking bad, trash will eventually flow into our creeks, rivers, and oceans. Trash can increase flooding and damage important ecosystems
What year was Earth Day made into an international holiday by the UN?
1990
What major international environmental agreement was sign on Earth Day 2016
The Paris Agreement
The Earth Day Canopy Project planned to plant how many trees between 2010 and 2020
7.8 Billion. One to represent every person on Earth
How many countries have placed styrofoam container or plastic bag bans?
30 countries. While the US has not many cities such as Baltimore have taken action to create less waste.
What are the Three R's that can help you live sustainably?
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Why is Earth Day when it is?
Earth day was chosen to be in late April to attract many high school and college students. This time is after spring break yet before most schools begin their final exams.
What large event took place in China in 2012 to reduce pollution on Earth Day?
Bike to work day. More than 100,000 Beijing residents rode their bikes to work!
In the 2011 "Trees not bombs" campaign how many trees were planted on Earth Day in Afghanistan?
28 million trees
What is the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement?
Keep global temperatures below 2 degrees C above historical averages
What can you do instead of throwing food out?
Compost! food waste is a huge problem and unused food can become nutrient rich soil.