Earth Day arrives Tuesday, April 22, highlighting environmental concerns and actions. This year's theme, "Our power, our planet," points toward community-level efforts and advocacy as paths forward. The day, first observed in 1970, is spearheaded by EARTHDAY.ORG, an organization supporting environmental work worldwide.
The need for action remains clear. A 2024 report stated countries are not doing enough to cut emissions, potentially missing goals set in the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Former President Trump pledged to withdraw the U.S. from that pact on his second term's first day.
Recent international talks on plastic pollution failed to reach consensus after two years of discussion. Data also show more than one in three tree species face extinction risk.
While large-scale policy efforts struggle, organic, community-based initiatives are growing. These networks focus on practical steps, building local connections while promoting environmental care. They offer a contrasting view to the challenges facing international agreements.
Consider Stick Nation, a large online group celebrating sticks found in nature. Its founders are using their platform to raise money this Earth Month for nonprofits focused on forests and wildlife. They connect the simple act of finding a stick to the need for healthy trees, showing how small interests can support larger environmental goals.
In Washington state, two friends started the Buy Nothing Project on Bainbridge Island. Concerned about plastic waste, they formed a group for neighbors to share unwanted items. This local effort grew into a global movement, fostering a "giving economy" where people share goods, reducing the need for new purchases and limiting waste.
Another grassroots effort, Garden Exchange Stands Org, uses neighborhood stands for people to trade plants, seeds, and gardening knowledge. Volunteers maintain the stands. The group teaches sustainable gardening and helps people grow food at home, promoting local food sources and community ties, especially as grocery prices rise.
These examples show how individual action and community networks provide tangible ways to address environmental issues. They offer a practical, bottom-up approach.
EARTHDAY.ORG itself promotes action with events like cleanup initiatives. These local events get people involved directly in improving their surroundings.
Educational events, including teach-ins, continue Earth Day's legacy of informing the public and encouraging participation. These gatherings, often on campuses or in communities, discuss environmental topics and mobilize people for action.