Earth day, the holiday that advocates for environmental protection, takes place each year on April 22. 

According to the website, The History of Earth Day, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when a United States senator from Wisconsin organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and by the end of the year the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, Earth Day was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe.

Earth Day has blossomed into a day full of recognition and initiative. It has had a positive effect on the environment because it has brought awareness to the public about environmental conservation. Consequently, people are fighting for ways to protect nature, and with that has come more laws to protect the planet. 

Sophomore Jaeden Jones does her best to protect the environment. 

“I reuse plastic bags and recycle them when I don’t need them anymore,”  stated Jones

Earth Day is an opportunity to participate with a global community to celebrate and recognize the importance of protecting the earth. 

Jones said, “It will be good when sustainable products become more accessible for people. Sometimes the alternatives are out of most peoples price range, like electric cars.”

Though environmental sustainability has gotten more traction, it can be tricky because it can be pricey, but there are cheap and free ways to help preserve the environment. 

The number of garbage trucks Americans fill each year could probably stretch halfway to the moon. According to Earthday.org, toilet paper tubes, made from cardboard, take two months to decompose in a landfill. A plastic bottle sticks around for way longer. It can take over 450 years to break down. 

Electricity doesn’t just happen. It has to be produced from things around people.  A lot of times it comes from fossil fuels like coal, oil, or natural gas and that can contribute to climate change. But electricity can also be made from renewable sources like wind, water, and the sun. No matter where it’s coming from, try conserving electrical energy by using only what is needed.

Other ways to help protect the earth can include thrift shopping, walking or riding bikes to close destinations rather than driving, and planting new trees. 

Sophomore Bella Mora said, “Every person can make a difference by making good choices, such as using less energy, recycling, and reducing plastic use.”