Earth Day 2025: Why we honor the planet we call home, and how to take part

Earth Day 2025: Celebrating 55 Years of Honoring Our Planet

Happy Earth Day! Today marks the 55th year that people across the globe have come together to celebrate the natural world and the planet we all call home. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown into one of the largest civic observances in the world — a day dedicated to environmental awareness, education, and action.

On April 22 each year, millions of people take time to reflect on the Earth’s beauty and fragility, and to consider how individual and collective actions can shape the future of our environment. In 2025, the need for global environmental responsibility and awareness feels more urgent than ever, making this Earth Day a timely reminder of the work still ahead.

The Origins of Earth Day

The first Earth Day was held in the United States on April 22, 1970. It was initiated by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, who was inspired by growing public concern over pollution and the environment. Working alongside activist Denis Hayes, Earth Day was created as a national “teach-in” on environmental issues. More than 20 million Americans took to the streets, demanding cleaner air, water, and soil.

That historic day sparked a wave of environmental legislation in the U.S., including the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of landmark laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Since then, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, mobilizing more than 1 billion people in over 190 countries.

Sarah Davies, Director of Communications and Media at EarthDay.org, shared with USA TODAY, “Earth Day really is a symbol of the environmental movement. You know, it started back in 1970 under President Nixon, which is always kind of amazing to think about.”

Earth Day 2025 Theme: “Planet vs. Plastics”

Each Earth Day carries a specific theme that guides awareness campaigns and global initiatives. For 2025, the focus is on the theme “Planet vs. Plastics.” This campaign calls attention to the overwhelming presence of plastic waste in our environment — from single-use packaging to microplastics found in oceans and even in our own bodies.

Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental crises we face today. According to environmental organizations, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year, with a large portion ending up in landfills, waterways, and oceans. Wildlife, marine species, and entire ecosystems are affected by this pollution, and human health is increasingly at risk due to plastic particles found in food and drinking water.

The 2025 theme encourages individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to drastically reduce their use of plastic and invest in sustainable alternatives. EarthDay.org is advocating for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040, alongside stronger regulations and innovations in waste management.

Why Earth Day Matters

Earth Day is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a yearly call to action. Environmental challenges are intensifying, from climate change and deforestation to air pollution and biodiversity loss. Scientists warn that we are nearing critical tipping points that could lead to irreversible damage to the planet.

Rising global temperatures, melting polar ice, stronger storms, and widespread droughts are no longer distant threats — they are present-day realities. The natural resources we depend on — clean water, fertile soil, breathable air — are under stress.

In this context, Earth Day reminds us that protecting the environment is essential for human health, economic stability, and global peace. It offers a chance for individuals to pause and evaluate their role in creating a more sustainable and just world.

How to Participate in Earth Day 2025

There are countless ways to take part in Earth Day, no matter where you live or how much time you have. Here are some ways people are making a difference this year:

• Clean Up Campaigns: Many communities are organizing local cleanups in parks, along coastlines, and in neighborhoods. These efforts not only beautify spaces but also prevent waste from harming wildlife.

• Planting Trees: Trees play a crucial role in capturing carbon dioxide, supporting biodiversity, and improving air quality. Join a tree-planting initiative or plant one in your yard.

• Reducing Plastic Use: Swap out single-use plastics for reusable alternatives. Carry your own shopping bags, water bottles, and containers to reduce daily waste.

• Education and Advocacy: Attend a webinar, read an environmental book, or host a sustainability workshop. Knowledge leads to action, and sharing information multiplies impact.

• Support Eco-Friendly Brands: Make conscious consumer choices by supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and plastic-free packaging.

• Speak Up: Use your voice to influence change. Contact your elected representatives, vote for environmentally-conscious policies, and encourage your community to adopt greener practices.

A Global Celebration

From cities to small towns, from classrooms to corporate offices, Earth Day is observed in unique and inspiring ways around the world. In schools, students may plant gardens or conduct science fairs on climate change. In major cities, marches and rallies highlight the demand for climate justice. Around the globe, people are finding creative ways to connect with the planet and each other.

Looking to the Future

As Earth Day reaches its 55th anniversary, the world stands at a crossroads. The choices we make today — as individuals, as nations, and as a global community — will shape the health of our planet for generations to come. The Earth has always given us everything we need to survive and thrive. Now, it’s our turn to give back.

So whether you're volunteering for a local cleanup, switching to reusable items, planting trees, or simply spending time appreciating nature, know that your actions matter. Every small step adds up, and Earth Day is the perfect moment to start — or to continue — your journey toward a more sustainable future.

Happy Earth Day 2025 — let’s keep working together to protect this beautiful planet we call home.