Let's Save Our Planet: United for Earth Day

Known to the world as Earth Day, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. It’s the green event that allows the world to reflect on our relationship with the planet and to renew our commitment to protect it. In recent decades, our Earth has faced unprecedented challenges due to human activity. From climate change to biodiversity loss, from deforestation to pollution, the signs of our impact on the planet are evident and require an urgent and coordinated response. Earth Day invites us to set aside differences and work together to address these global challenges.

History of Earth Day

It all began in the United States. In 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson was inspired by the idea of an "Earth Day" after witnessing the devastating effects of a massive oil spill off the coast of California. In 1970, Nelson joined forces with Denis Hayes, a young activist, to launch the first "Earth Day." The event drew the attention of millions of people across the United States, catalyzing an unprecedented awareness movement on the importance of environmental protection. The success of the first "Earth Day" in the United States prompted the United Nations to adopt a resolution in 1971 to proclaim April 22 as World Earth Day, to be celebrated worldwide. This decision was the result of a growing international consensus on the need to protect the environment and address environmental challenges globally.

2024 Theme: Planet vs. Plastic

We call for a stop to plastic for the sake of human health and the planet, demanding a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040 with the ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for generations to come.

To achieve a 60% reduction by 2040, the goals of EARTHDAY.ORG, Let's do It! Italy, and Partner associations are:

1. promote widespread public awareness of the harm caused by plastic to human, animal health, and all biodiversity, and demand further research into its health implications;
2. swiftly eliminate all single-use plastics by 2030 and achieve the phased-out commitment set by the United Nations
3. Treaty on Plastic Pollution in 2024;
4. call for policies to end the scourge of fast fashion and the vast amount of plastic it produces and uses; invest in innovative technologies and materials to build a world without plastic.

Plastic goes beyond an imminent environmental problem; it represents a serious threat to human health, as alarming as climate change. When plastic breaks down into microplastics, it releases toxic chemicals into our food and water sources and circulates in the air we breathe. Plastic production has now grown to exceed 380 million tons per year. In the last ten years, more plastic has been produced than in the entire 20th century, and the industry expects to grow explosively for an indefinite future.

Raising Awareness for Change

Earth Day reminds us that we have a responsibility towards our planet and future generations. Each of us can make a difference by adopting more sustainable behaviors in daily life, supporting progressive environmental policies, and actively participating in initiatives aimed at protecting the environment.

Investing in our Planet requires a long-term commitment on several fronts:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: fighting climate change is an absolute priority. It is essential to accelerate the transition to clean energy sources and decarbonize the economy.
  
  
• Protecting biodiversity: the health of the Planet depends on the safeguarding of ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. We must counteract deforestation, habitat loss, and pollution.
  
  
• Promoting a circular economy: the linear "use and dispose" consumption model is no longer sustainable. Circular models that reduce waste and value resources must be adopted.
  
  
• Educating and raising awareness: education is the key to a sustainable future. We must educate new generations in a culture of respect for the environment and encourage responsible lifestyles.

Earth Day is a time to come together and give voice to our commitment to safeguarding the Planet. Each of us can make a difference, adopting small daily gestures and supporting initiatives at the local and global levels.