“The Earth is what we all have in common.” - Wendell Berry. Everyone knows that Earth Day is the de-facto “environmental day”, but what about the other eco-days? There’s dozens of times throughout the year to celebrate the environment and spread awareness against factors harming the earth. However, please spend time everyday taking at least a few steps to take care of our planet, even without a celebratory day.
January - March
Seed Swap Day (January 29): The perfect day for gardeners! Swap seeds, whether they’re foreign or local, with others and promote caring for nature.
World Wetland Day (February 2): Wetlands are essentially sponges of water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater, and/or flood water that carry plant life and small aquatic organisms. They are crucial for maintaining water quality, controlling erosion, and homing threatened and endangered species. On this day, spread awareness on the importance of wetlands.
World Wildlife Day (March 3): This national day was formed on December 20, 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with the goal of raising awareness of the planet’s fauna and flower, since humans have endangered a substantial number of species. Live your day learning more about wildlife through online reading or even taking in-person trips to the aquarium or garden.
Global Recycling Day (March 18): Remember: recycle, reuse, and do the right thing! Recycling paper, cardboard, plastic products, metal containers, and even food waste is vital everyday. Natural resources are depleting at an outrageous rate each day.
International Day of Forests (March 21): Whether it’s the generic deciduous forest or a jungle, forest restoration is an action that all of us need to partake in. The world wouldn’t be the same without forests -- they give us oxygen, shade us from heat, and filter the water we drink. We need forests. Educate yourself about them!
World Water Day (March 22): Obviously, water is an important resource. This day celebrates both water and the sustainable management of freshwater because, unfortunately, numerous populations worldwide lack access to clean, drinkable water.
April - June
World Aquatic Animal Day (April 3): To raise global awareness for aquatic animals, which are typically ignored in favor of land-roaming ones, World Aquatic Animal Day was launched last year by students at the Lewis & Clark Law School. The day aims to educate the public about aquatic animals with numerous resources and recorded presentations that can be found at World Aquatic Animal Day - Center for Animal Law Studies - Lewis & Clark.
Earth Day (April 22): The most famous eco-day, Earth Day is the largest annual event advocating for environmental protection and celebrating the planet we live on. April 22, 2021 marks the 51st year of Earth Day.
Endangered Species Day (May 20): Observed on the third Friday of May every year, this event encourages everyone to look into the (unfortunately) countless endangered species and wildlife habitats. Avoid buying illegal wildlife and unsustainable food products, donate to wildlife conservation groups, and educate yourself on endangered species to participate in this critical day.
Bike-to-Work Day (May 20): Biking to work is one way to 100% ensure you avoid contributing to climate change. Plus, it’s fun! This event is held in numerous locations including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22): Another national day officiated by the United Nations (UN), the International Day for Biological Diversity desires an increased awareness of biodiversity issues. Biological diversity is a vital factor for concepts like sustainable development, food security, clean water, and conservation of wildlife.
World Environment Day (June 5): Similar to Earth Day (and also recognized by the UN), World Environment Day promotes taking action to protect the environment. In 2020, the theme for the day was “Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.” A healthy ecosystem means healthy lives for animals, plants, and humans.
World Oceans Day (June 8): Also moderated by the UN, World Oceans Day declares the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable use of the “oceans, seas, and marine resources” (https://www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day) because otherwise, natural disasters and aquatic animal death would be rife. The day serves to inform the public about how each action we take impacts the state of the ocean.
World Population Day (July 11): The world is nearing a population of 8 billion. With the growing amount of hearts beating on this planet, countless global population issues come with each heart. Greenhouse gases rise with the increase of cars. Factories pump out more smoke than ever. Space is running out for homes, and wildlife habitats are being sacrificed for humans. Our population could reach 11 billion around 2100 -- and that’s not a good thing.
July - September
World Ozone Day (September 16): A designated day by the United Nations, the World Ozone Day makes the depletion of the ozone layer known. Losing the ozone layer would mean the loss of humanity, because without it, the sun would kill us all with its ultraviolet radiation. Scientists are currently searching for ways to preserve the ozone layer -- in the meantime, spread awareness.
Zero Emissions Day (September 21): To reduce emissions and search for sustainable solutions, Zero Emissions Day aims to alert the world of the harms of carbon emissions and encourage climate-friendly choices like using solar energy, sparingly use HVAC, and avoid emission-causing transportation.
Green Consumer Day (September 28): This is the perfect day to go on a shopping spree for checking out eco-friendly shops! Buy eco-friendly products made from recycled materials with little packaging. Here’s one online store to browse: https://earthhero.com/.
October - December
World Habitat Day (October 3): Each first Monday of October, World Habitat Day (recognized by the UN) is celebrated as a day of reflection on the “state of our twins and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter” (https://www.un.org/en/observances/habitat-day). There are millions of unhoused people who deserve a safe place to call home. So, the day wants to remind people that they are responsible for maintaining the land for future populations.
World Animal Day (October 4): World Animal Day focuses on the welfare of all animals -- no matter their conservation status -- and how we can improve their well-being. Many species are illegally hunted, abused as pets, or abandoned and neglected. However, animals have rights too. To observe this day, you might want to listen into an educational seminar or presentation, adopt a pet, spay and neuter your pet (or advocate for it), and/or peacefully protest animal welfare issues.
Energy Efficiency Day (October 6): I’m sure that all of us can improve our energy efficiency, and in turn, save energy while saving money. To participate in Energy Efficiency Day, turn off technology not in use, open the windows on a hot day instead of using a fan or the AC, replace lightbulbs with LEDs -- they produce light more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs --, and utilize cold water in washing clothes.
International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction (October 13): As said by the United Nations, “Disasters impact low- and middle-income countries disproportionately, particularly in terms of mortality, numbers of people injured, displaced and homeless, economic losses (as a percentage of GDP) and damage to critical infrastructure. We cannot eradicate poverty and hunger if we don’t step up investments in disaster risk reduction,” (https://www.un.org/en/observances/disaster-reduction-day).
America Recycles Day (November 15): Time to recycle some more! Spend today gathering all your recyclables and reuse, reduce waste, and help stop pollution. At the same time, pick up any trash you see and tell your friends and family to recycle.
Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4): There’s a desperate need to save the thousands of endangered and near-extinct species of Earth. Like on Endangered Species Day, raise awareness of the need to save these animals, which include pandas, tigers, wolves, and leopards. Conservation isn’t an option. It’s mandatory for our lives.
World Soil Day (December 5): Soil. It may not seem that important to us at first glance, but it is what keeps life together. Trees, animals, and humans depend on it. To protect the soil, we need to protect the natural world and take care of the animals that roam it.
The Carbon Newsprint
Tiffani Pe
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