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Earth Day 2024, the importance of loving nature

We have heard multiple times about the importance of the environment and the need to address issues like climate change. Did you know that there is a day devoted to this type of problem? It’s called Earth Day. But what is Earth Day? When is Earth Day celebrated? It takes place on April 22 each year and it serves as a reminder of the importance of... Show more

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Earth Day designs to preserve the planet

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Symbols

Earth Day symbols: Learn more about them to help our planet

Green leaf

Earth

Recycling symbol

Renewable energy

The importance of green leaves as symbols of renewal and hope

Earth Day is about taking care of our planet. Is there any better way to represent nature's importance and sustainability than using a green leaf? Green leaves also convey a sense of hope in the future, development, and renewal. Aren’t these in line with the aims of Earth Day? Throughout history, green leaves have been used in various art forms, such as painting, jewelry, literature, and architecture, to symbolize nature's importance. There is no doubt that we depend on nature, and nature depends on us. Green leaves are a way of reminding us about the importance of reaching a balance and taking care of the environment. A leaf means a compromise between human beings and Mother Earth.

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Let’s learn about the most powerful symbol for life: our planet Earth

As we celebrate Earth Day today, the main symbol representing this day is our planet Earth. It is the only planet known to harbor life, and, as such, it represents much more than our home. It has to do with a process of growth, nurturing, groundedness, and nature. It is the third planet from the Sun, and its abundance of water makes it the perfect place for life to thrive. Throughout history, Earth has been represented in various forms using different symbols. Its importance has been reflected in a number of ways, including the I Ching, alchemy, and Egyptian hieroglyphs. Earth has even been adopted as a symbol of power in various contexts, such as the globus cruciger, a Medieval symbol used in many iconographies.

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The recycling symbol: Reduce, reuse, and recycle

One of the most well-known Earth Day symbols is the recycling symbol. This design was invented, the same as the Ecology Flag and the Earth Day, during the 1970s. It was created by Gary Anderson, a student at the University of Southern California. Thanks to this design, Anderson won a contest that was part of the International Design Conference. This symbol was based on the Möbius strip, but Anders recreated it using three arrows forming a triangular shape. The idea was to represent a process with three steps. Three arrows represent the three ways to reduce waste: reduce consumption, recycle, and reuse.

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The origins of renewable energy: Powering Earth Day and beyond

Renewable energy symbolizes Earth Day’s mission, tracing back centuries to humanity’s efforts to harness natural elements for sustainability. From ancient windmills and waterwheels to modern solar panels and wind turbines, renewable energy has evolved over time. It surged forward during the Industrial Revolution, driving early efforts to electrify societies. In the wake of the oil crises of the 1970s, it emerged as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, gaining prominence as a symbol of hope for a greener future. Today, renewable energy leads the transition to a cleaner future, offering innovative solutions to energy needs. As Earth Day celebrates environmental stewardship, the history of renewable energy embodies our commitment to a sustainable world for future generations.

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Earth Day Color Palette

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Verdun green, the hue of grasslands that is full of hope

The healing power of nature is to be found in Verdun green. Verdun is a city in the northeast part of France. It is known for its scenery and two great battles that took place in 1792 and 1914. Verdun is a very green city: the landscape is filled with fresh grasslands and meadows, and cemeteries are invaded by vegetation and trees. Even the Meuse, the river, seems to be painted in Verdun green. Earth Day is represented by this type of color because it emphasizes the power of nature. It’s also the tone of hope: the hope for a better future for the environment, for us as human beings, and for Mother Earth.

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Hill lands, the natural light of a yellowish green

Hills lands, also called sushi for some, is one of the most vibrant Earth Day colors. It’s a yellowish green tone that creates energetic designs. This hue is perfect for the Earth day palette because it evokes a feeling of renewal. It’s the hue of sprouts, fresh cut grass, and youth. This type of green it’s also connected with wealth–dollar bills are green, for example. In the health arena, it’s usually employed to raise awareness for mental health conditions like childhood depression or mood disorders, but also for muscular dystrophy and Lyme disease. Earth Day is about celebrating nature and its beauty. Unleash your strength with this bright hill lands green and protect the environment.

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Enjoy the pleasures of nature adding a stroke of mustard

Mustard is an elegant color that gives a touch of life to everything: food, paintings, home decor, clothes… Mustard is pure dynamism, and it will help you represent your happiness and pure energy. It’s a welcoming tone due to its warmth, and it has been widely used to depict pleasing feelings such as happiness, glee, and inner satisfaction. Blissfulness goes hand in hand with mustard! Being a little bit darker than yellow, it is the tint of culture and tastefulness as well. Mustard is the color of many flowers, the Sun, and the enjoyment of nature. Take a moment to appreciate the tones of sunbeams and celebrate Earth day adding touches of mustard to your life.

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Azure radiance, enjoying the purity of oceans

Earth Day won’t be the same without celebrating the importance of seas, rivers, and oceans. Azure radiance is the color of water: it’s the tone of the cradle of life and one of the typical Earth Day colors. This type of blue is great for an Earth Day color palette: it has to do with nature itself, but also with responsibility, trust, security, and peace. All of them are necessary to improve the environment and to reverse the consequences of air or water pollution, among others. Apart from that, azure radiance is a hue associated with relaxation, both physical and mental, and serenity. Give some love to our planet and embrace its blue seas and skies.

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Maya blue, a pretty pigment with an amazing history

Maya blue is a very special azure pigment. It has been used in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica for centuries. It was created by mixing indigo dyes with palygorskite, which is a natural clay that is very abundant in Mexico. This pigment was famous because of its durability: it didn’t fade away, so it was very cherished at the time. Maya blue is an example of the permanence of natural materials, so it’s a great hue to add to any design related to nature and Earth Day. It resembles the color of the sky and it also conveys powerful emotions like calmness, peace of mind, integrity, lightness, and serenity.

Earth Day Fonts

Grass Garden

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The history of Earth Day: Some interesting facts

We already acknowledge the importance of taking care of the environment and raising awareness about issues like climate change, our future, and the future of the next generations. Nevertheless, giving nature such a predominant place has not been an easy task. It has taken years and a lot of effort. One of the greatest achievements in human history has been the creation of Earth Day, a celebration designed to make a difference. Earth Day origins trace back to 1970, thanks to a young activist named Denis Hayes. Year after year, Earth Day gathered more and more people–and more than 141 countries. Today, we are going to learn more about the historical milestones that consolidated this date and some interesting facts about Earth Day.

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1970

The very first Earth Day

The largest protest in history

The very first Earth Day took place in 1970, but let’s learn about its origins. In 1969, John McConnel, an activist, proposed the establishment of an “Earth Day” at a UNESCO Conference. That petition was heard, and US Senator Gaylord Nelson hired activist Denis Hayes to create Earth Day just one year later, in 1970. The very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. The initiative was a huge success, as it turned into a mass protest! More than 20 million people attended. Isn’t it amazing? The first Earth Day only took place in the United States, but it changed over the years.

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1990

Turning Earth Day into an international event

Celebrating Earth Day in 141 nations

Denis Hayes, the activist who initiated Earth Day, made it international in 1990. The celebration involved 141 countries and approximately 200 million people who rallied to preserve the environment and promote a sustainable lifestyle. Earth Day 1990 focused on key issues like recycling, and it also helped establish certain initiatives and issues for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These included the replacement of fossil fuels with alternative sources of energy, protecting oceans, and preserving the limited supply of water. The discussions to save the planet were not limited to seminars and protests on Earth Day 1990. A television special, "The Earth Day Special," was aired, and 10,000 Maniacs played at a benefit concert in Washington, DC.

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2000

Earth Day and the new millennium

Internet and activism

By 2000, Earth Day congregated people from 184 different countries and 5,000 environmental groups. In this case, the internet played an essential role, as it was a great tool to organize activities and activists from different countries. During Earth Day 2020, many activities were organized worldwide to raise awareness about ecology. For instance, in Gabon, Africa, a drum chain was used to raise awareness about the environment by going from village to village. In the United States, people gathered for a First Amendment Rally protesting at the National Mall in Washington, DC. Citizens took many other actions to help the cause as well.

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Today

Celebrating Earth Day today

The beginning of a new (and green) era

Nowadays, Earth Day holds paramount importance. The Earth Day Network has about 17,000 members and millions of people who support its cause. More than 190 countries are engaged with Earth Day and its targets. Isn’t this a huge collaborative achievement? It’s the greatest non-religious event in the whole world. People continue organizing activities and raising awareness through web pages, seminars, talks, and campaigns. Earth Day has led to many agreements and laws on climate change being passed. In 2016, on Earth Day, the United Nations signed the Paris Climate Agreement. This agreement aims to limit global temperature, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve and enhance sinks and reservoirs.

Why do we celebrate Earth Day around the World? Cultural and environmental activities to create a cooperative and sustainable society

Earth Day is the most important day for our planet. It has helped raise awareness on climate change, recycling, deforestation, and protecting endangered species, among other causes. Each country involved organizes different activities to celebrate this day. Continue reading to discover more about Earth Day traditions in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, India, Switzerland, and Canada. Let’s go!

United States

Earth Day in the United States. Earth Day was established in the United States, so it’s an important day for this country! There are many events to increase public awareness. Each city or even each school prepares different activities! In New York, there is an increasing number of sustainable shops and stores. In Washington, D.C., the Goethe Institute hosts a sustainability forum. The National Whistleblower Center holds a similar event to provide information about the Climate Corruption Campaign. To promote environmental conservation in the National Capital Parks in Washington, D.C., there is an effort to remove non-native invasive plants. In Long Island, New York, there are also several festivities that are organized by the faculties, college staff and students. In Hoboken, New Jersey, SeaSmart educates people about the importance of oceans and coral reefs. Isn’t it great?

Japan

Earth Day celebrations in Japan. How does Japan celebrate Earth Day? The Japanese take it very seriously. Earth Tokyo began in 2001, and they have promoted many initiatives to preserve the environment. And they even celebrate Earth Day for two days, from April 21 to April 22! It’s usually held at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. What sort of activities will you find there during these two days? The event offers a variety of activities, such as food stalls offering GMO-free and healthy food, concerts, workshops, street markets, and activities for children and the elderly. One of the aims is to make people aware of the importance of taking care of the environment, so authorities also offer various lectures on topics such as peace, sustainable energy, and recycling. If you are planning to visit Tokyo soon and are environmentally curious, go to Yoyogi Park during Earth Day to enjoy nature and the events.

United Kingdom

Celebrating Earth Day in the United Kingdom. There are many Earth Day events in the United Kingdom! Depending on the city, you’ll find live music in the streets, yoga, and more activities to raise funds. In London, for instance, there is a 7-week campaign to raise money for Ocean Cleanup Interceptors to remove plastic in the sea. There are also talks on sustainability offered in Soho. In Cambridge, they launched a campaign to maintain trees that have already been planted. They also have online programs that merge geoscience and philosophy! Isn’t it interesting? The Edgewood Primary School in Nottingham encourages students to disperse seeds in surrounding areas to create pollinator pathways. Similarly, students at St. Mary’s School in Manchester advocate for environmental change and learn about environmental science, and in Glasgow, they offer discussions on extinct species.

India

Earth Day in India: A social movement. Earth Day is a very influential date in India. They launch many different programs and drive initiatives to take care of the planet. It has become a social movement. The creation of the Earth Day Network India Trust has led to global cleanups, such as the cleanup of the river Ganga, where more than 10,000kg of rubbish and waste were removed! There are also actions related to trees that aim to restore natural habitats by planting trees. One of these actions is called #Trees4Earth, which tries to raise awareness among citizens. Additionally, Indians work hard to protect their flora and fauna. For instance, around 1,000 species are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, such as the Asian elephant. They also focus on ending plastic pollution, reducing its use, and managing plastic waste. In the same way, the Earth Day Network India Trust also encourages global climate literacy so people can make educated decisions with regard to the environment.

Switzerland

Celebrating Earth Day in Geneva: planting trees, green sales, and much more. One of the major events in Switzerland takes place in Geneva. The International School of Geneva organizes a green sale. Their target is to raise money to plant trees on the school playgrounds. They also sell organic food to promote the importance of including GMO-free food in our diets. For its part, the Geneva Business School also proposed some actions to #RestoreOurHealth as a way of celebrating Earth Day. When a new student begins his or her studies at the Geneva Business School, they are given a tree to plant in their school’s forest. Actions related to Earth Day and nature protection are studied at the Geneva Forum, including consumption patterns and their impact on ecosystems.

Canada

Let’s play outside! For proper development and growth, children need to play outdoors. They need to explore, have adventures, and enjoy nature. This will create healthy not only kids but also adults. Canada knows the importance of playing outside. Sadly enough, because of technology, this activity is endangered. Hence, Earth Day in Canada is all about enhancing the importance of outdoor play. They have created a crowdfunding platform called #Pledge4PLAY, and they invite people to post their outdoor play memories on social media. This association is trying to create accessible play spaces that help stimulate children. By doing so, children are able to connect with nature, which translates into adults who will take care of the environment. They raise awareness not only through social media but also through donations and raffles.

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