What is Earth Day? When is Earth Day?

Earth Day takes place annually on April 22 and is an occasion for communities around the world to come together and act for the environment. Since its inception in 1970, it has become one of the largest environmental movements, involving millions of participants. So, what is the meaning of Earth Day? What activities typically occur on this day? Let’s find out in the article below.

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is an international event held every year on April 22. Through this day, media outlets and organizations aim to raise awareness and promote actions to protect our planet’s natural environment. Vietnam also actively participates in Earth Day with various practical activities that contribute to raising environmental awareness in the community and promoting sustainable development.

*Earth Day is about raising awareness and encouraging action to protect the environment*

Origin and Meaning of Earth Day

Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, initiated by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as a nationwide environmental teach-in. The event drew participation from over 20 million Americans and marked a major turning point in the environmental movement.

In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized April 22 each year as International Mother Earth Day, emphasizing the importance of protecting the planet and its natural resources.

Earth Day is a time for the global community to raise awareness and take action on environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Common activities on this day include tree planting, waste cleanup, educational workshops, exhibitions, and media campaigns to encourage environmental protection.

*Earth Day was first launched on April 22, 1970*

Earth Day Themes Through the Years

Each year, Earth Day is held under a different theme to address pressing environmental issues and promote specific actions. Here are some of the recent themes:

2015: “Water is at the core of sustainable development”
2016: “Trees for the Earth”
2017: “Environmental and Climate Literacy”
2018: “End Plastic Pollution”
2019: “For a World Without Waste”
2020: “Climate Action”
2021: “Restore Our Earth”
2022 & 2023: “Invest in Our Planet”
2024: “Planet vs. Plastics”

*Each theme reflects urgent environmental challenges of its time*

Common Activities on Earth Day

Earth Day is a great opportunity for global citizens to take collective action to protect the environment. Common activities include:

Environmental cleanup: Volunteer groups organize trash collection in residential areas, parks, and beaches to help clean the environment.
Tree planting: Helps improve air quality and create green, pleasant surroundings.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: Encourages the community to reduce plastic use, recycle waste, and adopt eco-friendly habits.
Water conservation: Promotes efficient water use and the prevention of water waste.
Workshops and exhibitions: Educational events aimed at increasing awareness of environmental protection and climate change.
Media campaigns: Utilizing social media and journalism to spread messages of environmental responsibility.
Artistic activities: Performances and nature-themed art exhibitions to draw public attention.

*These efforts help raise public awareness about environmental responsibility*

FAQs

What’s the difference between Earth Day and Earth Hour?

Both events aim to raise environmental awareness and encourage action, but they differ in timing, scale, and format.

Earth Day:

Date: April 22 annually
Purpose: Raise global awareness of environmental issues and inspire protective action
Activities: Educational events, tree planting, cleanups, workshops, and exhibitions

Earth Hour:

Date: From 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM (local time) on the last Saturday of March each year
Purpose: Raise awareness of climate change and energy conservation by encouraging people to turn off unnecessary lights for one hour
Activities: Turning off lights/devices, candlelight performances, marches, and outdoor events

In summary, Earth Day is a full-day event with diverse activities, while Earth Hour is a one-hour symbolic event focused on energy awareness.

Do workers or students get a day off for Earth Day?

Earth Day is not officially recognized as a public holiday in Vietnam. Therefore, workers and students go to work and school as usual.

Is there extra pay for working on Earth Day?

Since Earth Day is not a statutory holiday in Vietnam, employees are paid as on a regular working day.

Conclusion

Earth Day is not just an annual event—it’s a reminder of everyone’s shared responsibility toward the environment. Even small actions like reducing waste, planting trees, or joining community campaigns contribute to building a greener, more sustainable planet. Don’t forget to follow Food and Lifestyle for more insightful content about Earth Day!

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