This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. In 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson came up with the idea of a day focused on environmental awareness after witnessing the destruction caused by a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara. On April 22, 1970, fed largely by student activism, 20 million Americans demonstrated for a healthy, sustainable environment with coast-to-coast rallies.
Join us in celebrating Earth Day all week long with our list of daily activities:
Monday, April 20: Earth Day Crafts from Recycled Materials
Create seed bombs, make a quilt from old clothes, construct a hanging garden, or choose a different craft project using recycled materials in honor of Earth Day. Select from 30 different projects, or come up with one of your own.
Tuesday, April 21: Earth Facts – Test Your Knowledge
Discover how much you know about our planet with quizzes on a variety of subjects. Test your knowledge on climate change, our oceans, the environment, and clean energy. Select your quiz.
Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day): Join the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge
Happy Earth Day! Today is the perfect day sign up for the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. Through it, you’ll find earth friendly, money-saving actions you can take to create a cleaner and healthier environment, including 29 activities you can do right at home.
To participate, visit CleanerContraCosta.org to create a profile, then join the 511 Contra Costa Community Group. Begin designing your action plan today so you can prepare to reduce your vehicle emissions when it’s time to get back to commuting. Also consider talking to your employer about continuing to work from home, finding a carpool partner, or mapping out the best route for biking to work.
Thursday, April 23: Earth Day Books for Kids
Celebrate Earth Week with the kids! Browse Contra Costa County Library’s online recommendations for getting young people excited about our protecting our planet and improving our environment.
Friday, April 24: Natural Soundscapes
Happy Friday! Experience the sounds of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service.
Here’s just a sample of what you’ll find on the full Sound Tour:
