by Brenda Peterson

Earth Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 22. A day to demonstrate support for environmental protection, organizations across the country observe the day in many different ways.

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. 

The original Earth Day, conceived by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, was meant to raise awareness about pollution and environmental degradation. Over time, it led to significant policies like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This history reminds us that celebrating Earth Day should go beyond just awareness; it should foster action and inclusion.

Things you can do for Earth Day:

Actionable Earth Day Activities

• Community Volunteering: Participate in local park cleanups, tree planting events, or community gardening to enhance local ecosystems.
• Nature Immersion: Go hiking, biking, or birdwatching to reconnect with nature, or take a nature walk to collect items for art.
• Sustainable Home Changes: Start a compost pile, set up a rain barrel, or swap to reusable products to reduce waste.
• Gardening for Wildlife: Plant native species and pollinators (bees/butterflies) to support local biodiversity.
• Upcycling & Crafts: Repurpose old clothing, jars, or furniture into new items, or create art from collected, cleaned litter.
• Eco-Friendly Education: Watch documentaries about climate solutions or join local environmental workshops to learn about local conservation efforts.
• Green Transportation: Opt to bike or walk instead of driving to reduce carbon emissions.
• Sustainable Shopping: Visit local farmers' markets to purchase organic products and support local agriculture.
• At Home Lifestyle Change: Adopt a plastic-free, plant-based lifestyle for a week.

At-Home & Virtual Activities

• DIY Natural Products: Create your own non-toxic beauty products or household cleaners.
• Virtual Eco-Games: Participate in online sustainability quizzes or virtual tree-planting, such as those offered by corporate sustainability platforms.
• Host a Fundraiser: Raise money for environmental organizations, such as the Ocean Conservancy or Earthjustice.

Earth Day Celebrations in Nashville:

Centennial Park Conservancy Presents NASHVILLE EARTH DAY, Wednesday, April 18, 2026, Centennial Park

Earth Day in the Hood, Wednesday, April 18, 2026, Nashville Public Library Pruitt Branch.