"The Earth does not belong to us — we belong to the Earth." This April 22nd, millions of people around the world will celebrate Earth Day. But what does that really mean for kids like us?
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day was first started to celebrate on April 22, 1970. That year, a U.S. Senator named Gaylord Nelson witnessed with alarm as a massive oil spill on the coast of California devastated the marine biosphere. He then decided that America needed a national day dedicated to protecting the environment. Over twenty million Americans took part in the very first Earth Day, and it led directly to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and crucial laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
Today, over one billion people in 193 countries take part in Earth Day events every year. It is one of the largest civic events on the planet — bigger than any concert, sports event, or festival. And the best part? Anyone can join, no matter how old they are.
Why should kids care?
Young people are the ones who will live with the consequences of today's actions the longest. Scientists warn that rising temperatures, melting ice caps, plastic pollution in our oceans, and the extinction of animals are all getting worse with each passing year. The problem can feel very overwhelming, but experts are clear that small actions really do add up.
For example, researchers estimate that if every American recycled just one aluminum can, it would save enough energy to power a television for three hours. Multiply that by 330 million people, and the numbers become astounding. Every choice matters. Every habit matters, and habits formed when you are young tend to last a lifetime.
5 things kids can do on Earth Day
1. Pick up litter in your neighborhood: Grab a bag and walk in your street, local park, or schoolyard. Even 15 minutes makes a visible difference, and it shows your community that someone cares. You can also make it fun by turning it into a challenge with friends or family.
2. Plant something: You don't need a big yard. A single seed in a cup of soil on a windowsill counts. Trees, flowers, and vegetables all absorb carbon dioxide and provide homes for insects and birds. Many schools also hold Earth Day planting events — ask your teacher if yours does!
3. Turn off what you are not using: Lights, televisions, faucets — leaving them running wastes huge amounts of energy and water every single day. Challenge your family to go one full day being extra careful. You might be surprised how much a small habit can change. And also save some money!!
4. Skip single-use plastic: Bring a reusable water bottle and bag when you go out. Every piece of single-use plastic you refuse is one less piece that might end up in the ocean, where sea turtles, dolphins, and fish can mistake it for food. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish if we don't act now.
5. Spread the word: Tell a friend, make a poster for your classroom, write a letter to your principal, or write your own article about Earth Day — just like this one! Awareness is how change begins. One conversation can inspire someone who inspires someone else, and that chain reaction never stops.
The bigger picture
Earth Day is not just only one day on the calendar, but a reminder to treat our planet with respect every single day of the year. The problems facing the environment can feel very overwhelming when you look at headlines about wildfires, floods, and disappearing wildlife. But history shows that people, including very young people, can also change things when they work together.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg was just 15 years old when she sat alone outside the Swedish Parliament with a hand-painted sign that read 'School Strike for Climate.' What started as one student's protest became a global movement involving millions. Malala Yousafzai changed education policy worldwide while still a teenager. Even closer to home, kids across America have won legal cases forcing their local governments to clean up polluted water supplies.
The point is simple: you are never too young to make a difference. Your voice matters. Your choices matter. Your generation has grown up knowing about climate change in a way that older generations did not, and that knowledge is very impactful when used.
What happens after Earth Day?
The goal of Earth Day isn't just a single burst of activity, but to start habits that stick. Scientists who study behavior say it takes about 21 days to form a new habit. So if you start something on Earth Day, challenge yourself to keep it going for three weeks. After that, it just becomes a part of who you are. You could start a recycling station at home, plant a small herb garden on your windowsill, or commit to walking or biking instead of being driven for short trips. Each of these actions, done consistently over a year, adds up to a real and measurable difference for our planet.
So this April 22nd, go outside, look around, and ask yourself: what can I do today? The Earth is counting on all of us, and kids especially have the power to lead the way.
Find Local Earth Day Events On our Event Calendar!
