Earth Day 2024
Earth Day began on April 22, 1970 and continues to be the largest secular protest in human history. The first Earth Day gave us many landmark pieces of legislation, such as the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, and even lead to the founding of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Earth day began as a protest, with walk outs, teach ins, and organized public solidarity.
Earth Day 2024’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics, with EARTHDAY.ORG calling for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040. How can you help?
1) Get involved in your local government. Know your representatives and attend WWRA meetings. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, April 24.
2) Attend a local Earth Day event! Events in Washtenaw county include…
3) Reduce your demand for plastic products. Buy items secondhand or in plant based packaging, look for 100% recycled plastics, and ensure ALL plastics end up in the recycling
4) Reduce your demand for thin plastics. Flexible plastics, like grocery bags and snack packaging, are not recyclable at the WWRA. Try to reduce your consumption of these goods and find a local collection for any excess
5) Learn more about Earth Day’s history and impacts at their website