World Environment Day: What It Is and How to Celebrate

On June 5th, we celebrate World Environment Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of taking care of our planet. Started in 1972 by the United Nations, more than 100 countries celebrate this annual event.

There are many ways to participate and show your support for world environment day!

What Is World Environment Day?

Since its inception at the 1972 Stockholm Conference, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) showcases World Environment Day as a time to reflect on the state of our environment and take action to protect it.

This year’s theme is “Only One Earth” — the same theme as the first official celebration in 1974 — calls on us to repair the damage we have done to our planet and create a world sustainable for all.

This year’s celebrations mark an important milestone for UNEP’s efforts — the 50th anniversary since the international meeting that first launched World Environment Day.

Although 2022’s official celebrations take place in Sweden, communities across the globe can use the occasion to bring awareness to environmental concerns and make changes to preserve our natural resources.

What Is the Difference Between World Environment Day and Earth Day?

Earth Day came first, observed annually on April 22. It began in the United States in 1970 as a way to bring attention to environmental issues. World Environment Day started two years later and has a more global focus.

Both holidays focus on loving the earth we inhabit, but their goals differ. While Earth Day celebrates the planet, World Environment Day is more about raising awareness and taking action on pressing environmental issues.

How Can I Celebrate World Environment Day?

There are many ways to celebrate world environment day! You can start by educating yourself and others about the environment and what we can do to protect it. Consider actionable ways to reduce your consumption and waste, or take steps to support businesses and organizations working to positively impact the environment.

Other ways to celebrate include:

Official Events

Many cities and organizations host official events to celebrate environmentalism. These can include things like tree plantings, beach cleanups or educational seminars.

Check with your local city hall or Chamber of Commerce to see if there are any planned events in your area.

Write to Senators

Another great way to participate is to reach out to your elected officials and let them know that you support eco-friendly choices. This is a great way to make sure that environmental issues stay on their radar!

Plan a Cleanup Event

If there’s no official event planned in your area, you can always organize your own!

Gather some friends and supplies, and spend a few hours cleaning up a local park or beach.

Environmentally Friendly Habits You Can Start Today

One of the best ways to celebrate the environment is to commit to making some changes in your own life. Brainstorm some small things you can do to be more eco-friendly, and start incorporating them into your daily routine.

There are many small things we can do to help the environment and reduce our impact on the planet. Here are a few examples:

• Reduce plastic consumption: Plastic is a significant contributors to pollution and ocean debris. Try to avoid using single-use plastics, like straws and shopping bags, and replace plastic straws with reusable metal or glass alternatives.
• Recycle when possible: Keep a recycling bin at your home, around the office and anywhere else you collect trash. Stay informed about your community’s recycling guidelines to reduce unnecessary waste.
• Bring your own bags to the grocery store: This is a great way to reduce your reliance on plastic bags. You can even find reusable produce bags that will help you cut down on waste even further.
• Start composting: Composting is a great way to reduce your food waste and create rich, nutrient-dense soil for your garden. Some communities may even host composting classes to commemorate World Environment Day!

Small Steps Make a Big Difference

World Environment Day is a time to come together and make a difference. By educating ourselves and others, we can enact change. Committing to small, eco-friendly changes in our daily lives helps us create a world that is sustainable for all.

What will you do to celebrate?