It weighs approximately 13.1 septillion tons, or 5.972×10^24kg. And it gives us all the necessary raw materials to live and to thrive. “It” is Earth, and on April 22, we celebrate it and show our gratitude by caretaking its resources, and its very soul.
Founded in 1970, Earth Day was inspired by the horrific oil spill in Santa Barbara in January 1969. This awakening motivated Senator Gaylord Nelson to talk earnestly to Congressman Pete McCloskey about how to jostle public consciousness to proactively protect and nurture the earth’s environment and ecosystems. With their eye on the exuberant youthquake occurring in the latter 1960s, they recruited activist Denis Hayes to organize campus “teach-ins”, and the trio designated April 22 as the day the earth would become the center of the universe (at least in the hearts and minds of humans).
Hayes spearheaded the first Earth Day, which encouraged 10% of the US population to demonstrate and rail against the impacts of unchecked industrialization for 150 years on the Earth.
Fast-forward a half-century, in 2020, the pandemic muscled in on social activities. But Earthday.org and a vigorous coalition of youth activists simply took the festivities online, to create Earth Day Live, a three-day livestream. In total more than 1 billion people worldwide participated in Earth Day activities and 10 million observed the 50th anniversary in what is deemed to be the largest online mass mobilization.
This year, Earthday.org focuses its beam of light on the theme of “Planet vs. Plastics.” The goal is to eventually create and sustain a plastic-free future, as they state: “Recycling is not the answer.” The initial goal is to achieve a 60% reduction by 2040 and to phase out single-use plastics by 2030. Interested parties can sign the Global Plastics Treaty.
Currently, there are several key initiatives created by Earthday.org, including the Canopy Project, Fashion for the Earth, Campus Coalition, Climate Education, Foodprints for the Future, and more.
“Reduce, reuse and recycle” is a mantra to follow to do your part. And it can be as simple as buying clothes and other items at a thrift store – as well as donations to same. Organizing local clean-ups with friends and family not only helps one’s small portion of the earth but also fosters teamwork and conviviality. Of course, there are other ideas as well.
“Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard our planet for future generations,” declares Jennifer Clancy, Global Marketing Director of Nutriventia. “At Nutriventia, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s woven into the fabric of our brand values. Our commitment to science-backed, tech-driven clean ingredients extends beyond our R&D labs; it encompasses a deep-rooted philosophy that embraces the delicate balance between nature, science, and technology.”
Clancy adds that the Nutriventia team firmly believes that “true nutritional harmony is achieved at the intersection of these elements, with you—the customer—at the forefront of our endeavors. Through our proprietary and patented processes, we continuously strive to elevate the standard of excellence in ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and consumer well-being.”
Rajat Shah, Nutriventia Co-Founder, comments, “This Earth Day, as we reflect on our journey, let us reaffirm our pledge to push the boundaries of sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Together, we can make a meaningful difference—one conscientious choice at a time.”