Earth Day
Earth Day 2025
Did you know that Saturday, April 22nd will mark the world’s 55th Earth Day? Celebrated in 193 countries, Earth Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness and support for protecting our planet. First observed in 1970, this annual celebration reminds us of our shared responsibility to care for the Earth.
This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” What does that mean to you? To me, it’s an empowering reminder that we each have a role to play in caring for this incredible gift we call home. It’s a call to action — proof that one person can make a difference.
Why It Matters
Air pollution from energy production causes acid rain, contributes to climate change and excess greenhouses gases, and poses serious health risks. According to Earthday.org, the goal is clear: “Everyone around the globe is invited to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.”
Here’s how the theme breaks down:
Power
We must triple renewable energy generation by 2030, harnessing our planet’s abundant natural resources — solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and tidal energy. Clean, renewable energy unites communities across political and economic divides and showcases the universal appeal of sustainable, affordable power.
We must triple renewable energy generation by 2030, harnessing our planet’s abundant natural resources — solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and tidal energy. Clean, renewable energy unites communities across political and economic divides and showcases the universal appeal of sustainable, affordable power.
People
Clean, affordable energy empowers global communities, drives economic growth, creates jobs, improves public health, and promotes equity. At its heart, this grassroots movement is powered by people. Together, we can help build a cleaner, renewable energy future for all, improving living standards and health outcomes by providing virtually unlimited, low-cost energy to everyone.
Clean, affordable energy empowers global communities, drives economic growth, creates jobs, improves public health, and promotes equity. At its heart, this grassroots movement is powered by people. Together, we can help build a cleaner, renewable energy future for all, improving living standards and health outcomes by providing virtually unlimited, low-cost energy to everyone.
Planet
Rapid deployment of renewable energy combats climate change, preserves biodiversity, protects ecosystems, and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels. These abundant energy sources — powered by the sun, wind, water, waste, and the heat of the Earth — are naturally replenished and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants.
Rapid deployment of renewable energy combats climate change, preserves biodiversity, protects ecosystems, and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels. These abundant energy sources — powered by the sun, wind, water, waste, and the heat of the Earth — are naturally replenished and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants.
A Healthier Planet, A Healthier You
One of the most compelling Earth Day messages I’ve seen is: “A healthier planet, a healthier you.” We put effort into caring for our bodies — we exercise, eat well, get good sleep, and keep our minds sharp. But are we doing the same for our planet and its ecosystem?
There is a direct link between environmental health and human health. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat — all are directly impacted by pollution and climate change. In turn, these environmental conditions affect our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Did You Know?
- Across the U.S., solar capacity has grown more than tenfold in the past decade. It’s on track to become the second-largest source of electricity generated in the country.
- In 2023, the U.S. set new records in solar energy production, with California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona leading the way — helping generate the cheapest electricity in history.
- Texas, long synonymous with oil, now leads the nation in wind energy production.
- The cost of manufacturing solar panels has dropped dramatically, making solar not only accessible, but often the most affordable source of electricity.
Looking Ahead
Renewable energy is both a necessity for the environment and is a driving force for innovation. From transportation to agriculture, clean energy is transforming industries, spurring technological advancements, and creating millions of new jobs. Each of us has a role to play in protecting our planet for future generations. Whether through small daily choices or larger community efforts, we can all contribute to a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable world — and enjoy the bounty it offers in return.
Simple Ways to Help Our Planet: We can all do our part to create an eco-friendly world:
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cut down on waste by reusing what you can and recycling properly.
- Join a Community Cleanup: Volunteer to help keep local parks, beaches, and neighborhoods clean.
- Conserve Water and Electricity: Small actions like fixing leaks and turning off lights can make a big impact.
- Power Down: Turn off lights, computers, TVs, video games, and other electronics when not in use.
- Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs: Choose long-lasting LED bulbs to reduce energy use.
- Limit Air Conditioning: Use fans and natural ventilation.
- Install a Programmable Thermostat: Automate energy savings when you're asleep or away from home.
- Plant a Tree: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and provide shade.
- Buy Less, Repair More: Fix or repurpose items instead of replacing them with new ones.
- Use Energy Star Appliances: These appliances use about 10% less energy than standard models.
- Compost Food Scraps: Turn kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil instead of sending it to the landfill.
- Choose Reusables: Bring your own bags, bottles, and containers to reduce single-use plastics.
- Shop Secondhand: Give pre-loved items a second life and reduce demand for new production.
- Support Local Businesses: Buying local reduces transportation emissions and supports your community.
- Use Eco-Friendly Products: Choose non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies.
- Walk, Bike, or Carpool: Reduce your carbon footprint by driving less whenever possible.
Check out this amazing Earth Day Guide! It’s packed with ideas for plant-based foods, tips to reduce plastic use, and strategies tackle climate change, and eliminate invasive species.
AMS has published a wonderful guide called Climate Journeys, featuring engaging themes like “Nature Walks” and two main sections: “River Journeys” and “Mountain Journeys.” The guide includes activity ideas, resource links for families and educators, and a curated list of age-appropriate books to support learning and exploration.
Social Justice Books has a list of books they recommend (and some they don’t recommend). The list is divided by grade level: Social Justice Books: The Environment
This Earth Day 2025 let’s commit to harnessing renewable energy to create a healthier, more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all. Support and embrace the rapid shift to clean, renewable energy—whether it’s solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, or geothermal. The time to act is now.
Happy Earth Day! Together, let’s take care of our planet.
Sources culled from include:
Renewable energy – powering a safer future - United Nations
Earthday.org
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
NOAA
Green Mountain Energy:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
UN Climate Action
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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