If you did not know that our precious mother earth had a birthday then today is your lucky day. Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22nd April, and Sunday was yet another glorious day for her under the sun. However, Earth Day is not your usual birthday celebration as this day is observed to spread awareness about the issues concerning the planet. These issues include global warming, pollution, deforestation and everything we have spoken about over the past few weeks. These concerns continue to plague our world this day is a reminder for us to act as human beings.

“Invest in our Planet,” was the theme of this year’s Earth Day and a call for businesses to adopt sustainable practices. This move towards sustainability is not a discussion that is new to our ears. The essence of achieving sustainability is to create change within the business, political and social climate and to teach all how to take action.

Earth Day wasn’t birthed out of just anywhere, but it was inspired by an oil spill that happened in Santa Barbra, California in 1969. Senator GayLord Nelson desired to promote ecology and increase public awareness of all the issues about the environment. Awareness is spread through various activities like events, concerts and seminars all working towards one goal which is to care for and love our planet. We need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet.

Earth Day has about ten core issues:

i) Advocacy
We are encouraged as supporters and as organizations to meet with elected officials to discuss environmental issues. “Million Acts of Green,” program encourages visitors to adopt lifestyle changes such as composting, reducing their carbon footprint, or recycling e-waste.

ii) Climate Change
The fight against climate change is not about to end and our participation is a key contribution to achieving those changes. Many countries for example support the landmark Paris Climate Agreement.

iii) Conservation & Biology
Supporters work to conserve the world’s biodiversity. On Earth Day 2010, for instance, participants in Sri Lanka planted more than 100 medicinal plants throughout the tropical rain forest at Yagirala Forest Reserve. T

iv) Education
Earth Day education programs provide educators, students, and the general public with resources and solutions to create a healthier, more sustainable planet.

v) Energy
Support projects are aimed at developing renewable energy sources and technologies as means of transitioning off of nonrenewable sources, such as coal and oil. Citizens of Qatar, for example, are invited to switch off their power for one hour on Earth Day in a symbolic stance against human contributions to global warming.

vi)Food & Agriculture
Supporters raise awareness about some farming practices, such as the use of chemical pesticides, which contribute to environmental degradation. Supporters also advocate for greater support of organic, local, and sustainable agricultural techniques.

vii) Green Economy:
Supporters advocate for the creation of green industries and jobs that are connected to renewable energy sources.

viii) Green Schools: The Earth Day Network sponsors the National GREEN Schools Campaign. The GREEN Schools Campaign includes a focus on healthy school lunches, environmental classroom activities, outreach to local and national leaders, and an emphasis on sustainable building techniques.

ix) Recycling & Waste Reduction
Supporters work to reduce the amount of waste that people produce and increase the amount that we recycle and reuse.

x) Sustainable Development:
Supporters promote environmental practices that respect biodiversity and the natural world.

Source for Earth Day issues: Earth Day (nationalgeographic.org)

” Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families and our livelihoods.”

-earthday.org