Celebration of Earth Day to make students aware of how their actions impact the health of the environment.
Once a year on April 22nd Earth Day is celebrated across the world. Over 180 countries participate in this annual event to learn how to be kinder to the environment.
The first Earth Day was initiated over 36 years ago by Gaylord Nelson, Wisconsin Governor and a Harvard University Student, Dennis Hayes. This year the celebration is on Sunday April 22nd. Since the inception of Earth Day it has grown to be celebrated by some for one week referred as Earth Week or for a month known as Earth Month.
Schools have participated in Earth Day to illustrate to children how their actions will have an impact on the world. For years, we (the world) have taken the earth for granted. We have thrown garbage over mountainsides, disposed of toxic wastes in oceans, and have wasted energy senselessly. Today, we need to teach our children how to care for the earth and to continue to heal the earth.
Creating Earth Day lesson plans and activities are just the beginning stages of getting students involved in saving our earth. Earth day needs to occur 365 days a year and not just once a year.
Students, parents, and the school community are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment. North America is saying goodbye to gas guzzling SUV’s for more environmentally friendly car. As well, grocery stores are encouraging customers to use reusable bags.
Earth Day should highlight the success of the school and the community on a local and global level. It should initiate talk about how to find solutions to our environmental problems and how to keep everyone engaged in saving the environment all year.
