Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd to promote environmental protection and stewardship of the Earth. It began in the United States in 1970 and now includes events in over 190 countries. While there is no central organization, several non-governmental organizations help coordinate thousands of local events like cleanups, educational activities, and environmental advocacy events to mark Earth Day and inspire further action to care for the planet. The document provides examples of activities individuals and community groups can organize for Earth Day celebrations or environmental awareness events throughout the year.

1. Happy Earth Day!
American Corner UDP www.americancorner.udp.cl
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day, on April 22nd is the annual celebration of the
environment and a time for Americans and people from
all over the world to assess the work still needed to
protect the natural gifts of our planet. Earth Day has no
central organizing force behind it, though several
nongovernmental organizations work to keep track of
the thousands of local events in schools and parks that
mark the day.
http://act.earthday.org/

2. Organize a community Check out this clean up in the
cleanup at a local park, Cayman Islands:
beach, neighborhood, or http://act.earthday.org/event/chambe
just around town. Dispose
the non-recyclable items
and recycle the rest.

3. Find local experts on issues ranging from water pollution to the
importance of biodiversity to the deforestation of the
rainforests and ask them to give a small talk to the
community. The event could be held in a local library, park, or
even university hall.

4. Work with local teachers to
teach about Earth Day,
recycling, creating a school
garden, or use one of Earth
Day Network’s lesson
plans:
www.earthday.org/education

5. As cities grow, we mustn’t forget
the importance of green
spaces. Creating or sprucing
up a community garden can
be a great way to celebrate
Earth Day. Coordinate with
local environmental, farming,
or eco groups in your area to
help with upkeep and the
grand opening, which could
be on Earth Day!

6. To catalyze global environmental EDN aims to make "A Billion Acts
activities, the Earth Day of Green" the largest
Network developed its “A environmental service
Billion Acts of Green" campaign in the world,
campaign as the theme for inspiring and rewarding
Earth Day 2011, and is simple individual acts and
continuing it for Earth Day larger organizational
2012. initiatives that further the
goal of measurably reducing
carbon emissions and
supporting sustainability.

7. Is your group passionate about an
environmental issue in your
community, state, or
country? Organize a parade
or march and build public
awareness in your
community.

8. Find a space, such as the library, a
church, university room, or
even café to show an
environmental movie to get
people talking about our
environmental future. Prepare
informational resources and
discussion topics for after the
screening.

9. Our forests are in massive decline and several places in the Americas and
the Caribbean are in need of a helping hand. Coordinate with local
tree planting organizations and local hardware or construction
companies for planting materials and expertise. Outreach to the
whole community! For ideas, check out this tree planting in St.
Vincent and Grenadines: http://act.earthday.org/event/tree-
fest-2011-environmental-expo

10. For tips on how to save money
and energy at home and on
the road, visit
http://www.energysavers.gov

11. This issue of eJournal USA explores
how young people are leading the
way to a cleaner, greener, more
sustainable future. From launching
their own environmental
organizations to developing
alternative energy resources, today's
youth have what it takes to make the
world a better place.
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/amgov/30145/publications-english/Growing_up_Green