International Earth Day, also known as the Equinoctial Earth Day, is celebrated on the March equinox (around March 20) to mark the precise day that the equinoxes and solstices are considered to start or separate the seasons. It’s not to be confused with regular Earth Day on April 22,which marks the birth of the modern environmental movement.
Image: Fredcamino (Flickr)
What is the History of International Earth Day?
The idea of a global holiday called “Earth Day” was proposed by John McConnell at the 1969 UNESCO Conference on the Environment. John McConnell was an altruistic humanitarian interested in religion, science and peace. San Francisco was the first city in the world to celebrate International Earth Day as Mayor Joseph Alioto issued the first Earth Day proclamation on March 21, 1970. The United Nations first celebrated Earth Day on the March equinox in 1971. This was also the first time ever that the United Nations celebrated Earth Day. After word got out, celebrations were held in various cities, such as San Francisco and in Davis, Calif., with a multi-day street party.
Who Celebrates Earth Day?
The United Nations celebrates Earth Day each year on the March equinox, which is often March 20. There are also national block parties, festivals and many retail and hospitality-related events. Earth Day is observed around the world by numerous groups concerned with the environment. In the United States, cause-oriented college students get involved in marches and rallies that bring awareness to the environment.
Where is Earth Day Recognized?
International Earth Day is celebrated all over the world.
How is Earth Day Celebrated?
Earth Day is traditionally observed at the moment of the equinox by ringing the Japanese Peace Bell, which was donated by Japan to the United Nations, and the Earth Society Foundation organizes the event at the U.N. Celebrations occur worldwide to correspond with the one held at the U.N. The U.N. peace bell is rung three times to mark the day, and a minute of silence is followed.
Do Earth Day Events Make a Difference?
Maybe, but it is mostly a feel-good holiday for those who like a reason to celebrate and want to feel good about helping the environment. While International Earth Day was created to bring awareness to the environment, it is questionable whether or not the holiday actually benefits the earth. If anything, it makes people think a little more about recycling, briefly contemplate the use of energy and allows them to wear hemp sandals and buy T-shirts with earth-centered logos on it.
April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Detroit.
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I believe that we all have a responsibility is saving our planet weather there is global warming or not. The fact is that we all live here and its our home. Which makes it our responsibly.