Invest Your Time, Invest in Our Planet: Earth Day 2023 Volunteer Events

Since 1970, April 22nd has been designated as Earth Day to encourage responsible stewardship of nature and to educate each other about environmental issues. Although the holiday was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, it’s yet to become a federal holiday. However, this hasn’t stopped millions of people across the U.S. from celebrating the Spring holiday since its founding. In fact, the very first Earth Day in 1970 had an estimated 20 million people involved in Earth Day events, a turnout that spurred the development of the Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Clean Water Act!

This year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet”, highlighting the important role of policy change, commercial investment, and civic action in safeguarding our future and the health of Earth’s ecosystems. While there isn’t a right or wrong way to observe Earth Day, volunteering a few hours to clean up a littered river, campaigning for environmentally just policies, or educating others on climate solutions are some activities that you can do to celebrate this holiday.

Spend your Earth Day making a change in your community with friends and family.

The National Wildlife Federation and Johnson Outdoors have teamed up to inspire people to help clean up the planet by taking simple steps to pick up trash in your neighborhood. Click here for more information.

Check out these volunteer events across the country: