Natural Resources

Earth Day 2025

4 min read
earth day

Everywhere you look, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and rivers are flowing. Mother Earth is glowing in her splendor, and there are numerous reasons to celebrate her, as well as the environmental advances made over the last half-century on Earth Day.

Now in its 55th year, Earth Day is sometimes called Mother Earth Day. It was first observed in 1970 by an estimated 20 million people engaged in environmental festivities across the nation. Although a peace activist named John McConnell proposed a day of peace and a day to honor the Earth in 1969, it was United States Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin who rallied other politicians and activists to organize campus teach-ins. The first official Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. Today, more than 1 billion people in over 200 countries celebrate Earth Day.

Our Power, Our Planet

sustaining environment

The theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet. As populations continue to grow and expand, so does the demand for energy. Maintaining current energy needs is challenging, especially since resources like coal, oil, and natural gas are limited. Not only do fossil fuels contribute immensely to greenhouse gas emissions, but they also threaten human and environmental health by influencing global warming.

This year’s Earth Day theme underscores the capacity of individuals and communities to create a greener, cleaner tomorrow for future generations. Earthday.org is focused on renewable energy and seeks to triple global clean electricity generation by 2030. Our Power, Our Planet emphasizes the relationship between our actions and the planet’s health. It urges us to embrace a new wave of energy dependency and loudly champion solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and tidal energy. It also encourages individuals and communities to use their influence to make a positive impact through sustainable alternatives, climate-smart approaches, and sound policies that safeguard the environment.

Many countries worldwide are transitioning their energy sectors and incorporating renewable sources. According to Earthday.org, this shift represents a significant financial opportunity, potentially creating 14 million jobs globally. In 2023, the global renewable energy sector was valued at $1.21 trillion and is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 17.2 percent from 2024 to 2030.

Check out these Alabama Extension resources to learn more about alternative energy sources and energy conservation.

Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Alabama Extension encourages all residents to become Earth Day heroes and do what they can to protect the environment, its inhabitants, and natural resources. The following are some ways to celebrate Earth Day and to protect the environment throughout the year.

  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
  • Recycle plastic, glass and paper whenever possible.
  • Purchase products that are made with sustainable materials.
  • Learn about plastics in the environment.
  • Take reusable bags to the grocery store to reduce plastic use.
  • Use reusable lunch bags, dishes, cups, and eating utensils.
  • Determine your plastic eco-score.
  • Use glass bottles or reuse plastic bottles whenever possible.
  • Use the Internet more and use less paper to save trees.
  • Create a recycling station in your home.
  • Calculate your carbon footprint.
  • Organize a community cleanup event.
  • Turn off lights when they are not in use.
  • Buy locally sourced food or start an organic garden.
  • Learn about the history of Earth Day.
  • Learn about the impacts of climate change.
  • Plant a tree or tree seedling.
  • Switch off appliances that are not in use.
  • Recycle electronic products.
  • Purchase an electric automobile.
  • Plant a wildflower garden to attract pollinators.
  • Start a compost pile in your backyard.
  • Install a rain barrel to conserve water.
  • Participate in a community cleanup.
  • Dispose of hazardous products.
  • Purchase office supplies made from recycled materials.
  • Walk more and ride a bike to work instead of driving.
  • Inspire someone to be a better environmental steward.
  • Create an Earth month calendar for your family.
  • Celebrate Earth Day with your family.

Youth Activities

Earth Day activities can be fun and exciting. They can also empower the next generation to impact the planet positively. Youth throughout the state are invited to join Alabama Extension in celebrating Earth Day 2025. Below are a host of digital learning experiences and eco-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Other Eco-Friendly Activities 

More Earth Day Learning

Spend time this month thinking about ways to use your power to support the Planet! You can learn more about energy alternatives by visiting EarthDay.org and exploring the Earth Day 2025 Toolkit.

Challenge yourself to be a better steward of our planet’s resources and respect the environment and all living things.

This work is supported by the Renewable Resources Extension Act grant no. ALAX-ACES-4816/project accession no. 101297 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.