Every year, millions of people across the globe gather to mark Earth Day and celebrate the environmental movement. This year, Earth Day falls on April 22, 2025, and its theme is "Our Power, Our Planet," focusing on renewable energy and climate action. The event, which began in 1970 in the United States, has grown into a global phenomenon, now celebrated in nearly 200 countries with over one billion participants, according to organizers.
Earth Day was established by US Senator Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes, a Harvard graduate student, who were motivated by growing concerns about environmental damage in the United States, particularly after a significant oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. The inaugural Earth Day in 1970 saw around 20 million Americans take to the streets, marking a pivotal moment in the environmental movement. By 1990, it had evolved into a worldwide event.
This year, various local events are planned to coincide with the official theme, including beach clean-ups, tree planting, and educational workshops. Earthday.org president Kathleen Rogers noted, "Celebrating Earth Day is often the first environmental action for a lot of people." The organizers are urging for a tripling of worldwide electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, echoing a commitment made at the COP28 global climate conference in 2023.
In the tech industry, companies are also getting involved. Apple, for example, is running a trade-in deal encouraging customers to recycle old electronics. From now until May 16, 2025, customers who recycle an eligible device at an Apple store will receive 10% off accessories and may qualify for store credit. Apple Watch owners can also earn a limited-edition award by completing a 30-minute workout on Earth Day itself.
Notably, the event has seen significant achievements over the decades. Within a few years of the first Earth Day, the US Environmental Protection Agency was established, and several key environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, were either created or strengthened. In 2016, Earth Day was symbolically chosen for the signing of the landmark Paris climate accord, the first international agreement to collectively limit global warming.
However, not all perspectives on Earth Day are positive. Critics argue that while the day has led to some significant achievements, it can also foster a false sense of progress. Many environmental indicators, such as rising global temperatures and species extinctions, continue to worsen due to human activities. Notably, activist Greta Thunberg criticized Earth Day in 2022, stating it has become an opportunity for leaders to express their love for the planet while simultaneously contributing to its destruction. Rogers echoed these sentiments, stating, "We all know greenwashing is happening and it is infuriating." She emphasized the need for governments to take robust action against businesses that misrepresent their environmental efforts.
As Earth Day 2025 unfolds, numerous events are happening across the United States. For instance, The Yards DC is hosting an Earth Day Yoga session from 7 to 8 AM EDT, promoting wellness and environmental mindfulness. In Baltimore, the Vollmer Visitor Center will hold a series of Earth Day-related activities on April 24, aimed at community engagement. Meanwhile, the Hanai Foundation in Bend, Oregon, is organizing an open-house event on April 22, inviting families to partake in various activities focused on sustainability.
Additionally, the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, Rhode Island, will host a "Poetry Walk" on April 22, allowing participants to enjoy nature while engaging in literary appreciation. These events highlight the diverse ways communities are coming together to celebrate and advocate for environmental protection.
In the retail sector, several brands are launching special promotions in honor of Earth Day. Blueland is offering up to 20% off sitewide, along with 30% off subscriptions, and Grove Co. is providing up to 30% off during its Earth Month sale. Avocado Green Mattress is also running a sale, offering 10% off all products through May 5, 2025. GreenPan is providing up to 60% off sitewide, which is a significant discount for their eco-friendly cookware.
As Earth Day continues to evolve, it remains a crucial platform for raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging action. The ongoing challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation underscore the importance of collective efforts to protect the planet. With a focus on renewable energy and community engagement, Earth Day 2025 serves as a reminder of the power individuals have in contributing to a sustainable future.
Looking ahead, the environmental movement faces both opportunities and challenges. While Earth Day has successfully mobilized millions, critics caution against complacency, urging continued activism and genuine commitment to sustainability. As Denis Hayes, one of the original organizers of Earth Day, noted, "There’s always been a pendulum in American politics but nothing like the assault on the environment we see today." This Earth Day, as communities unite to celebrate and advocate for the planet, the call for meaningful action and accountability remains as critical as ever.
