BROOKINGS, S.D. — Each year on April 22nd large celebrations can be found around the globe. What might people in almost every country be celebrating together? Earth Day!
Despite its current worldwide reach, Earth Day started as a college teach-in for environmental issues. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson championed Earth Day 1970, and according to Earth Day Network it currently mobilizes about 200 million people in 141 countries.
Although Earth Day is generally associated with environmental issues, the reach of Earth Day Network’s campaigns include human rights, voter education, and civic responsibility. In general, Earth Day is a reminder for all people on Earth to work towards a more sustainable future.
South Dakota Events
Here in South Dakota, there are many events scheduled to celebrate Earth Day. Below is a sample of events from across the state:
- Monday, April 16th
Earth Day Fair, USD - Thursday, April 19th
Green Thursday on the Platz, Vermillion - Saturday, April 21st
Earth Day Bluebird Box Workshop, Custer State Park
Earth Day Event, Pickerel Lake Recreation Area - Sunday, April 22nd
Earth Day Celebration, Oakwood Lakes
State ParkGood Earth Day, Good Earth State Park - All Weekend
Earth Day Expo, Central States Fairground
Other Ways to Celebrate
If none of these events work for you, make your own! Some easy-to-implement ideas include:
- Cleaning up a local park.
- Making a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your garden.
- Planting native plants.
- Collecting and returning plastic bags to a store recycling center.
No matter how small your act might seem, when added up over 200 million people, they have a large impact. For more ideas, visit Earth Day Network.
— Christine Wood and Katherine Jaeger, SDSU Extension
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